ST Joseph Catholic Primary's head of school is retiring after a career in education spanning 38 years.

Mary Watson's last day at school will be on Tuesday next week. (July 25) She had been at St Joseph's since September 1985.

She said she had mixed feelings about retirement, adding: "I've had the privilege of working with many caring staff, children and parents.

"I've been fortunate enough to work with a lot of good people and I've thoroughly enjoyed teaching.

"I have seen a lot of changes in education over the years, and a lot of new building work at St Joseph's School."

Mrs Watson, who lives in Riddlesden, said she was looking forward to having more time to travel once she finished working.

She was born in Cross Hills and lived in Skipton until her family moved to Keighley when she was nine.

She even spent two years as a pupil at the school she would later be employed by – St Joseph's – before going on to Holy Family Catholic School.

Mrs Watson completed her teacher training at Ilkley and Bradford College then worked as a class teacher at Holycroft Primary School from 1979 to 1985.

She has been head of school at St Joseph's since September 2015, but has also previously served as assistant head and as deputy head.

For 20 years she has been preparing pupils for their Holy Communion, and she is a longstanding member of Keighley's St Joseph's Catholic Church.

Her daughter and two sons all attended St Joseph's Primary.