A TEACHER was presented with a portrait to mark her retirement after nearly three decades at a school in Bournemouth.

Karen Leahy, who was head of junior school at Talbot Heath School, an independent all-girls educational establishment for ages three to 18, was the star of a special assembly and a mini street party to celebrate her 29 years at the school.

The first event took place in the great hall, which saw the pupils, staff and governors enjoy afternoon tea after Karen was presented with the painting, which will be hung in the school. Meanwhile, the second event saw the younger children dress up as cats, which are Karen's favourite animals, and sang songs to their teacher, which was organised as a surprise.

Her colleague, Jakki Rook, deputy head of junior school, said: "When she started, there were approximately 80 junior-aged girls and she started a pre-prep department which built the pupil numbers up to over 200 girls.

"Karen has maintained that the traditional values of the school are upheld, but has been innovative in her approach, embracing the new and ensuring that Talbot Heath junior pupils are equipped for the next stage in their education.

"Karen was immensely proud to have been given a letter and gift from Jeff Williams, who is the Director of Education from the Diocese of Winchester, thanking her for her contribution towards her maintaining a Christian focus at the school."

Jakki said that there is a portrait gallery in the senior school of the past Talbot Heath headmistresses, but Karen's portrait will be hung in the Junior School.

Staff also encouraged the children to keep the street party as a secret, which saw them dress as domestic cats, lions, tigers and leopards.

"The children, aged four to 11, had been rehearsing cat-themed songs with our music department and sung them to her in their respective year groups, culminating in a very uplifting whole junior school song, Power in Me."

Karen was also presented with a book of farewell messages from each child and some flowers, including 29 single roses.