Children and teachers have bid farewell to two lunchtime staff who between them have overseen 1.6 million meals for pupils.

Wendy Bridges and Chris Georgeson are retiring from Richmond a Lilac Sky Academy after a total of 66 years.

Mrs Bridges joined as a lunchtime supervisor at the site in Nursery Close, Sheerness, in 1971, and Mrs Georgeson took up the same role in 1991.

The pair were presented with gifts at a special assembly on Thursday before doing their last shift the next day, which they said was emotional as the children were saying goodbye and asking them not to leave.

They met through the job and have become good friends, making the decision to retire together.

Mrs Bridges, of Invicta Road, Sheerness, said she will be spending her retirement on her hobby of making cards and may come back to read to the youngsters.

She has seen 10 different head teachers at the school as well as children coming back as staff.

“I’ve made so many friends there,” the 70-year-old said. “It feels like we are still in the school holidays. I think it will be after Easter when we realise we are not going back. I will miss it but every good thing has to come to an end.”

Mrs Georgeson, of Marine Parade, Sheerness, said she was looking forward to more time for gardening, walking and cycling.

The 66-year-old said it made her smile last week when one of the children said they hoped she enjoyed her new job.

“It was nice they thought I was young enough to be going into another job,” she said.

“I will miss it and it will take some time to get used to.”

Vice principal Jacqui Lockwood said: “I would like to say thank you for all their years of dedication and hard work.”