A primary school teacher has decided to hang up her trainers after nearly four decades in the business.
Anita Jarvis, of Pinner View, joined St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School, in Clifton Road, in 1993 and retired on Monday.
The 61-year-old said: "I joined as PE co-ordinator and I have been here ever since.
"There have been so many funny memories, I have taught so many children and I can recognise them. I still see some of them around."
After a career spanning 39 years teaching at schools across Harrow and Brent, including St. Teresa's First and Middle Catholic School, in Long Elmes, and Pinner Park First School, in Melbourne Avenue, Mrs Jarvis is leaving the profession.
Alongside PE, Mrs Jarvis taught design and technology, maths and English to children between the ages of four and eleven years old and is currently a Brownie Guider with 4th Wealdstone Brownies, which is based at St Joseph Roman Catholic Church, in High Street,
Wealdstone. Working with children has always been a passion for the mother-of-three.
She said: "It was a career choice between a teacher and an accountant, but I've always related to kids.
"It's about the big breakthrough, when a child suddenly realises they can do something. It's great.
"I just love it."
The school's athletics team has won many accolades since Mrs Jarvis has been on board and the team won first place in the cross country race in the Harrow schools league last year.
The team even ran in a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Roger Bannister's four-minute mile in 2004.
The teacher is commemorating her last day with a Catholic mass and a party for past and present teachers she has worked with.
Mrs Jarvis is now planning to go travelling to New Zealand and Australia and to take a well-earned rest.
She said: "I am looking forward to having a lie in and not having to get up every day.
"I can't imagine what it is going to be like, but I am looking forward to it."
