Ronald Reagan was US president and Kylie Minogue topped the charts with I Should Be So Lucky when Linda Lusby started work as a dinner lady at a St Albans school.

And after 28 years at Wheatfields Infants and Nursery School in Marshalswick she has decided to take well-earned retirement.

Mrs Lusby joined the school as a dinner lady but her title is now midday play leader.

During her years at Wheatfields she has seen numerous children progress through the school and worked with five different head teachers.

The school organised a surprise afternoon tea at the end of term to say goodbye to her, which was attended by many former colleagues and friends.

A special assembly was also held to enable the children to thank her for all she had contributed to the school.

Mrs Lusby said: “I am going to miss everyone at Wheatfields, especially the children. In my 28 years I have seen many changes and huge expansion of the school

“I am looking forward to redesigning my harden in outreach activities to the community at Marshalswick Baptist Free Church and of course, spending some time with my grandchildren and husband Bernard.”