HOME economics teacher Linda Hook is celebrating four decades of teaching at a New Milton school.

When she first entered the classroom as newly-qualified Miss McDermott in 1974, the mother-of-two had no idea she would still be at The Arnewood School 40 years later.

Staff and students have paid tribute and she was presented with a gift voucher.

Head teacher Chris Hummerstone said: “I am delighted on behalf of students, staff, governors and parents to recognise Linda's dedication to the school this month.

“She is one of a handful of our staff who have now passed this rare landmark.

“To give such long standing teaching service to one organis-ation is a tremendous achieve-ment and her contributions to life at Arnewood have been varied and many.”

Mrs Hook, who grew up in Dorset, said she intended to become an air hostess and to travel the world but she was offered a promotion at The Arnewood and never looked back.

“I’ve been given so many different roles, which has made the job very interesting and presented a variety of challenges throughout,” she said.

“I have been very lucky to work with so many wonderful colleagues who have made my time here so enjoyable, and have had the privilege of teaching many, many wonderful students.”

Mrs Hook has now decided that her 40th year at the school will be her last and said: “This is definitely it for me, my time is coming to an end as a teacher – they do say life begins again at 40 after all.”