Four well-loved school staff with more than 120 years’ experience between them are set to retire.

Teachers Annmarie Robinson, Anne Anderson and Winifred Holt, and bursar Linda Stirzaker will leave St Anne’s and St Joseph’s primary school in Accrington next month.

Headteacher Darren Mussell, who joined the school last year, said all the departing staff ‘will be a big loss and can’t be replaced’.

He said: “All four have spent a long time at this school and will be sadly missed.

“We are not just losing staff, we are losing knowledge. We are losing a massive chunk of experience. These people know the school and the families inside out with the relationships they’ve got and have built up over the years.

“That can’t be replaced. We can work at it and put new staff in place but their actual knowledge of the school, children and community you can’t replace overnight.

"It will take a long time. I’m glad for them as they need to go off and enjoy their retirement which is fantastic but I do know that the school won’t quite be the same.”

Parents, children and staff will bid an emotional farewell to the retiring quartet at the end term with a special school Mass and leavers assembly.

Key Stage Two teacher Winifred, 60, has worked at the Sandy Lane school for nearly 30 years.

The grandmother-of-three said: “I have spent the majority of my teaching career at this school.

"I have witnessed many changes in the school and education. I will miss the children and friend and the challenge.

“I have been very happy but am ready to embrace this next step on my journey. I’m looking forward to looking after grandchildren, travel and visiting relatives abroad – time for ‘me’ – swimming and yoga.”

Linda, 61, has also been at the school for three decades, working as the bursar.

She said: “It is a big wrench to leave as I have thoroughly enjoyed my 30 years at the school and have had great satisfaction in taking on the challenges given to me.

“I have learnt many things, made many lifelong friends, and have many, many happy memories that will stay with me forever.

“Whilst loving the administration side of my work, I have also had great joy out of watching all the children, who have gone through school during this time, grow with many of them returning to this school as parents themselves.

“I am looking forward to spending more time with my family, walking, cycling, reading and holidays in term time.”

Reception teacher and special needs coordinator Anne, 60, said she has felt “privileged” to have served her parish school for 39 years.

She said: “There have been lots of changes but the one thing that never changes are the wonderful children in our charge who lighten up our life.

"I am looking forward to spending time with my family and friends, and to serve the Parish of St Anne’s where I will continue with my involvement in parish work.”

Her dedication to the school and the parish has also been recognised with Benemerenti Papal Medal by the Pope. She will receive the award on July 8.

Fellow reception class teacher Annmarie, who is also RE co-ordinator, has worked at the school for 22 years.

Annmarie, 60, said: “It has always been a pleasure to work with the children and staff at this school.

“I have enjoyed every minute and will miss day to day life at school. I am looking forward to having the time to read, cook and meet up with friends.

"I plan to travel and visit the USA as often as possible to see my family there.”