Children, parents, staff and governors at a popular village primary school united to bid a fond farewell to a dedicated headteacher.

Having been headteacher at Blundeston CEVCP School for 18 years, Kate Schonhut has overseen numerous changes.

And ahead of her retirement from the school where she has dedicated years of hard work, a 'wonderful' fun afternoon was held to mark the end of an era.

Staff and the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) at the school in Church Road, Blundeston arranged 'an exciting afternoon for all' as Mrs Schonhut's long service, dedication and successes were celebrated on July 12.

There was the chance for all to bid a fond farewell to Mrs Schonhut, as performances, games and music all took centre stage within the school grounds.

Each class performed a song especially for Mrs Schonhut, with staff and the PTA arranging circus themed activities and stalls to entertain the children.

A school spokesman said: 'Mrs Schonhut joined the school in September 2000 and has seen the school through many changes. She finishes her career leaving a school that is currently rated Good by Ofsted with Outstanding Early Years provision.

'A wonderful afternoon was arranged with performances, games and music to thank Mrs Schonhut for her dedication to Blundeston Primary.'

With staff, children, parents and Governors uniting to celebrate her success and say an official thank you and goodbye to Mrs Schonhut, following her 18 years as school headteacher, the special event was hailed a success.

The school spokesman added: 'Mrs Schonhut was presented with a glorious cake made by parent Mrs Coleman and parents at the school had collected for a selection of farewell gifts for her which included a Tiffany horseshoe silver necklace reflecting her love of horse riding.'

Part of Mrs Schonhut's immediate retirement plans are to stay in Greece for a while and enjoy sailing with her husband around the Greek isles.

'All of the school staff, parents and children wish her a wonderful, happy, exciting retirement,' the school spokesman added.

Helen Laflin will take up her new post as headteacher in September following Mrs Schonhut's retirement.