A long-serving dinner lady said an emotional goodbye to her school, after spending the last 20 years dishing out hot school meals.

Theresa Letchford has seen hundreds of children grow up and go through the doors at Upshire primary school in Waltham Abbey - including her own daughter Sarah, who is now a teacher at the Upshire Road site.

in emotional scenes, Mrs Letchford, who has since set off on a cruise, waved goodbye to children and staff on Friday (September 18).

Youngsters made the popular dinnerlady a card and gave her with a big bunch of flowers in an emotional farewell presentation.

Upshire Primary Head Jackie Blackburn said: "It was a tearful goodbye from Theresa after over 20 year service. Each class made a page for a special book which was presented to Theresa by the children.

"They also presented her with a bouquet of flowers and a gift voucher. Theresa was a popular MDA who will be missed by the children and the team she worked with – the end of an era!"

Mrs Letchford is now going on to start her own card making business.