The principal of Annsborough Integrated Primary School has retired after 24 years in the post. Lynda Brown marked the occasion with a special assembly on Friday.

Mrs Brown began her career at Castlewellan Primary School in 1988, where she had been a pupil. She joined Annsborough as a teacher in 1990 and later became principal, following in the footsteps of colleagues Eileen Slader and Helena Carton.

In a farewell speech, she said she had not imagined that the school would become such an important part of her life, nor that she would spend almost her entire teaching career there. She noted that consistency and continuity matter, creating roots, relationships and a sense of belonging.

She added that she had been blessed with good health throughout her career, apart from four maternity leaves and one other period of absence lasting a few days.

Mrs Brown, a native of Aughlisnafin, said she would miss the children most of all.