MUSIC teacher Stella Birtwistle has seen many a change since she first set foot inside her school, 42 years ago.

She has seen headteachers come and has taught a seemingly endless flow of pupils who passed through her classroom in St Anne's RC Primary, Fielden Street, Blackburn.

Latterly she began to teach the children of the children and of course the music she taught changed all the time.

The Beatles had yet to release a record when, as a fresh-faced 20-year-old straight out of college, Stella joined the school in September 1960 and it would be a long time before Gareth Gates would even be a twinkle in his mother's eye.

Now after more than four-decades as assistant teacher and co-ordinator for music Stella has decided to call it a day. The 62-year-old retired with a fanfare of tributes on the last day of term after a week of celebrations to send her off.

A mass was held at St Anne's Church, in Blackburn, with Father James McCartney stepping aside to allow her former pupil Fr Paul Taylor to conduct the service.

And throughout the week former colleagues and pupils popped in to say goodbye to one of the area's longest serving teachers.

What makes Stella more remarkable is the fact that the job at St Anne's was her first.

Headteacher Stephen Nicholson, who has been at the school for 18 years, said: "Ms Birtwistle has shown total dedication to this school and she really is a wonderful lady.

"She has embraced any new initiative that has come along and is the most loyal member of staff I have ever known.

"She will be missed by everyone."

Stella, who trained to be a teacher in Liverpool before returning to her native Blackburn, should have retired two years ago, but stayed on.

Even now she has officially left the school will not be able to keep her away.

She said: "I am going to come back and help out with the music so there will still be contact with the children.

"It was very emotional to finally leave . The school is like an extended family."