A LUNCHTIME supervisor at a Midland school is getting used to retirement after overseeing almost 5,000 dinner breaks.

Carol Collins finally rang the bell on her career at St John Bosco Primary School, in West Bromwich, having passed through the gates for 25 years – making her the second-longest serving staff member.

To celebrate her contribution to the catholic school, a special morning mass was held where a gold cross and chain was blessed by parish priest Father Ugo Ikwuka before it was presented to Carol.

The kids delivered a special rendition of The Wild Rover in recognition of Carol’s love of Irish music, performed with a brass band and wrote messages in a giant leaving card.

Carol, whose two children attended the school, said: “It was a really emotional day that I will always remember.

“There were certainly tears.

“Everyone just made such a big fuss of me.”

Headteacher Edward Masterson praised Carol for adopting a ‘calm approach’ to everything, saying he had never once heard her raise her voice or get flustered.

Teacher Paul Mobberley said: “Carol has seen many changes, but something which has not changed has been the care and attention she has shown to the hundreds of children she has looked after.

“Mrs Collins will be sadly missed by all.”

Carol is now looking forward to spending time with her two new grandchildren Isaac and Ruby.

Her final day was also an emotional occasional for the 29 Year 6 pupils who left the school.

Mr Mobberley added: “This class had an outstanding year, having achieved the best SATs test results in the school’s history and featuring regularly in the local and national press.”