A head teacher with 30 years at one primary school is retiring.

Carolyn Houston has worked at Chase Lane Primary School in Chingford for the past 30 years, but will be retiring on February 22.

She is one of the longest serving employees at the school and first joined as a deputy head teacher but was quickly promoted to head teacher.

Miss Houston said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure at Chase Lane and have felt well supported by parents, staff and Governors. The children are a real joy and it has been an honour and privilege to serve such a diverse and varied community.

"I will be taking away with me many, many happy memories, including watching hundreds of children flourish over their primary schooling, the Friends of Chase Lane (PTA) balloon race, visiting Downing Street and meeting David Cameron with 25 Year 5 children, Early Years picnics, Year 6 residential trips; the enthusiasm and joy of the Year 6 children at their residential trip, witnessing many sporting teams excel, witnessing lots of children learn to read to a very high level, the visits from David Beckham and of course working with so many lovely families.

"However, it has been an all-consuming job to which I have dedicated many, many hours. It is now time to realise some of my personal dreams of travel and many more trips to the theatre."

The pupils, staff and parents connected to the school have planned events to celebrate her retirement before her last working day on Friday.

On Tuesday the Friends of Chase Lane Primary association organised for all 700 students at the school to release green and yellow balloons with a farewell message to Miss Houston.

A farewell assembly was held on Wednesday where children performed songs and poems in Miss Houston's honour.

Nursery coordinator Julie Fields who has worked at the school with Miss Houston for 16 years praised her dedication, commitment and passion over the past thirty years.

She said: "Carolyn has shown a dedication beyond words to the school.

"Although she understands that academics are important, she is passionate about creating a real community all-encompassing school where children have positive experienced.

"It's been truly lovely to see that students that were taught by Carolyn are now brining their own children here to be taught by her again. It just shows how positive the parent's found their time at Chase Lane."

During Miss Houston's tenure at the school, she saw two schools merge to create Chase Lane Primary School which educates pupils aged 3 to 11.

She plans to keep in contact with the school in the future but is looking forward to travelling and visiting the theatre.