DINNER lady-turned-teaching assistant Maureen Nash has spent her first weekend enjoying her retirement after 40 years at the same school in London’s East End. She was given a special send off by children and colleagues at Cubitt Town Junior on the Isle of Dogs on Friday

DINNER lady-turned-teaching assistant Maureen Nash has spent her first weekend enjoying her retirement after 40 years at the same school in London's East End.

She was given a special send off by children and colleagues at Cubitt Town Junior on the Isle of Dogs on Friday.

"It's a good school and a nice atmosphere," she said. "I have known many generations of children at the school and have now seen their granddaughters and great-granddaughters at the same school."

The 65-year-old's retirement came with a crowning glory after Cubitt Town Primary was named one of the country's top 20 outstanding schools by the Ofsted inspectors earlier this month.

Maureen started at the Manchester Road school as a dinner lady and worked her way up to senior teaching assistant.

She has been a familiar face at the school at 6.30am each day preparing food for the breakfast club over the years.