WOODHEYS Primary School in Sale said goodbye to much-loved headteacher Laura Roberts this summer, as she retired after 23 years working at the school, and 37 years in teaching.

Mrs Roberts joined Woodheys in 1994 as a Year 6 teacher and deputy head. She then became headteacher in December 1997. Since the start of her career at the school it has doubled in size and currently has over 485 pupils.

Last year, Woodheys achieved progress scores that placed the school in the top 10 per cent of all primary schools in the country.

Ofsted inspectors who visited the school in June described pupils behaviour as 'outstanding' and Mrs Roberts was praised for being an excellent leader and role model.

Mrs Roberts sought accreditation for the school and a Gold award from the Peace Mala organisation promoting peace and respect between people and faiths. Woodheys is also a leading eco-friendly school, with advanced sports facilities and a focus on outdoor learning.

The school holds International Food Evenings, where over 20 different nationalities are represented. The Woodheys choir also took part in producing a Christmas charity CD last year with Altrincham opera singer Martin Toal. Mrs Roberts also had a mock wedding in the school last year after marrying her husband David Roberts in May.

Deputy headteacher Sarah McMichael said: "Mrs Roberts has played a vital role as headteacher at Woodheys. Pupils, staff, parents, governors and members of the Woodheys community will dearly miss her. We are sure though that she will come back to visit the school, and for the school's 80th anniversary next year."