She’s cooked for thousands of children during a career lasting almost 25 years – so for once it was time to let others take care of the catering.

Bramfield Primary School, near Halesworth, bid a fond farewell to its long-serving chef Lynne Trussler during a special tea party on Friday.

Pupils and parents cooked cupcakes for the event, former colleagues returned to pay their respects and there was a performance of Midsummer Night’s Dream followed by a rendition of some of Mrs Trussler’s favourite songs.

The departing school cook said she was “very surprised but thoroughly enjoyed it”.

“I like cooking, but I absolutely love the children and I shall miss them terribly,” she said. “There are lots of happy memories but I now feel like the time is right to retire.”

Head of school Kate Woodruff said Mrs Trussler was a “wonderful cook who went out of her way to make it special for the children”.