AN ANDOVER junior school is saying farewell to a well-loved lunchtime supervisor after 26 years of service.

Margaret Davis, of Eardley Avenue, marked her last day at Portway Junior School on Friday, October 21.

Mrs Davis has seen thousands of children pass through the school since she first started in 1990.

Nine of Mrs Davis’ family members have attended Portway Junior School as children and her grandchildren are now at Harrow Way.

She said: “I just love it. I’ve had nine family members go there altogether.

“I started there because I liked the school. I’ve always had connections with Harrow Way and Portway.

“I love the children. I’ve had so many thousands through – I don’t know how many.

“I learned something new every day from the children.”

The 72-year-old said she believed the way adults communicate with children is very important.

Mrs Davis added: “I think on the whole the way you treat children is by listening to what they have to say. You advise them but you don’t make it obvious, and you talk to them.”

Before she started working for Portway Junior School, Mrs Davis worked in the kitchens at Harrow Way.

Portway Junior School held a special assembly so the children and staff could say farewell.

Mrs Davis said 375 schoolchildren wrote messages saying goodbye over 12 sheets of paper.

She added: “It means more than anything to me.”

Over the years, Mrs Davis has been given cards from Portway pupils, which she puts up on display on her mantlepiece at home.

One card in particular, given to her a month ago, stays in her purse and includes the message: “I love you so much.”

Mr Tim Deery, headteacher of Portway Junior, said: “Her loyalty towards the school over these years has been amazing.

“Margaret has promised to still be involved in the school so we are pleased that we won’t be losing touch.”

Mrs Davis was sad to leave Portway Junior School but said she has been offered future volunteering opportunities by the school.

She now is looking forward to spending time with her family and gardening.