AFTER more than 30 years of feeding the seemingly endless appetite of Devon’s youngsters, a Newton Abbot dinner lady is hanging up her apron strings.

Jane Gudgeon started at Highweek Community Primary School in 1990.

After a 32-year career at the school, the time came for Jane to finally hang up her apron strings and enjoy an early retirement.

‘It has been a long time, it has been lovely.

‘I am taking early retirement as I am still quite young,’ Jane said with a smile.

Working with the children Jane described as her favourite part of the her time at Highweek, as well as having worked with many nice collegues over the years.

On Friday, October 21, an unsuspecting Jane was ambushed with a bouquet of flowers, choclates and a hamper during a busy lunch service.

As ever, Fridays mean only one thing, the serving up of a truly British staple, one which is as loved today as it ever was - Fish and Chips.

‘Fish and Chip day is always very popular!’ Jane said.

In especially busy periods,the beloved British staple, and other similarly sort after dishes, could be served up as many as 200 times in a day by Jane.

Throughout Jane’s career she has seen it all, everything from Jamie Oliver’s crusade to vanquish food deemed unhealthy to the recent focus on allergen and dietry awareness.

Christina Hitchcock, Kitchen Manager at Highweek Primary School, said: ‘Jane is a fantastic worker.

‘She is really dedicated and a really valued member of staff.’