PUPILS have waved farewell to a "truly inspirational" teacher and governor, who together have dedicated nearly 70 years of their lives to their school.
Tina Sellar taught at St Peter's Infant School, in Tandridge, for 34 years, having taken up her first teaching post there in 1979.
She was the special educational needs co-ordinator for pupils aged four to seven.
Head teacher Catherine Johnson said: "During this time, she has worked in different classes and with many children who will remember her with great fondness.
"Her contribution to the school over the years has been immense. She has seen many educational changes, been part of three Ofsted inspections and has supported three different head teachers."
Lavinia Cannings-Knight, chairman of governors, has also now left, after more than 35 years at the Tandridge Lane school.
She said she has seen the layout of the school change many times in that time and was responsible for several improvements to the school buildings.
Ms Cannings-Knight, chairman of governors since 1991, added: "I shall miss all the comings and goings at St Peter's enormously. I have always enjoyed being part of a team of people whose main priority has been to give children the best education possible.
"It has also been a great pleasure meeting such a wonderful group of parents, who have helped create the friendly atmosphere of the school which is still as evident now as it was back a few decades ago, and we are all very fortunate to be part of it."
The school gathered to say goodbye to the pair at a tea party.
Mrs Johnson added: "What has been accomplished here by both of them is amazing.
"They have been truly inspirational and will be truly missed."
The school's new chairman of governors will be former teacher Vanessa Mesher, who is a community volunteer at St Peter's Church in the village.
