A CHERISHED school catering manager of nearly 30 years has hung up her apron for the final time.

Jean Bowden has served up to 900 children during her decades of service at Bradshaw Community Primary School.

Her ‘tireless’ work ensuring hundreds of happy children left the school gates with a full stomach.

Deputy head teacher Mrs Sweeney said: “She has worked tirelessly at the school for the last 29 years preparing and cooking school lunches and toast for snack time.

“During this time, she will have looked after almost 900 children.”

Jean said farewell to her fellow staff and all the pupils at Bradshaw on Friday, January 26, as she looks forward to a happy retirement spent with her grandchildren and her dog.

Pupils created a goodbye card with illustrations of Jean on the front of the card which was titled ‘Mrs Bowden’.

“Bradshaw would like to wish Jean a very happy retirement and thank her for dedication to Bradshaw,” Mrs Sweeney added.