A WOMAN is finally finished with the school dinner hour after 25 years service as a supervisor, and is looking forward to taking up painting in her retirement.

Since 1978, hangman, board games and the odd child's tantrum have been a regular occurrence in Josie Porter's life since she started to help keep pupils occupied between maths in the morning and English in the afternoon.

As a lunchtimes supervisor - or what used to be known as a "Pink Lady", thanks to the uniform - at Cherry Orchard Infant's School, she has ensured pupils eat their food and have a good play between lessons. Yesterday was her final shift.

She took a break from the post between 1987 and 1989.

During her stint, the 64-year-old has worked under four headteachers and was the longest serving member of staff.

Mrs Porter, who was born and lived in lived in Worcester all her life, said she will miss the dinner-hour hustle and bustle.

"I remember the infant's school when there were three classes - now there are 21.

"They are a lively bunch and I shall miss them all very much," she said of pupils and staff at the school in Timberdine Close, Cherry Orchard.

"I have really enjoyed it - I wouldn't have stayed so long if I hadn't," she said.

At her last shift, a special assembly was held to wish her a happy farewell.

She is looking forward to a "bit more free time", where she can get to grips with computers and take up painting.

The school's headteacher, Jeremy Harwood, paid tribute saying Mrs Porter had approached the job very professionally.

"Anybody who wants to see the job done well should have been watching Mrs Porter.

"She is calm, caring and took her responsibility very seriously.