After 19 years at Gunthorpe Primary School, Angela Howden will say a tearful goodbye to pupils and staff at an assembly on Wednesday after spending two happy decades as a higher level teaching assistant.

But rather than retiring, Mrs Howden – having reached her half century – is looking to take on a new challenge much to the astonishment of family, friends and colleagues.

She will begin next year at Middleton School as part of their learning support service, after finding her calling having spent many years working with a profoundly deaf child at the school and teaching others sign language.

Mrs Howden said: "We had a young girl, Katie Bucking, join our reception class some years ago.

"I went to night school to learn British sign language to help support her through school and we taught the other children it so they could also communicate with her.

"She left last year to go to Jack Hunt and now has a cochlear implant and I am so proud of her.

"I could have retired and started to take it easy, but I have really enjoyed the sign language and I thought it was now or never."

Mrs Howden said that she would take many happy memories from her time at the school in Hallfield Lane, The Pentlands, and has found the experience rewarding and enriching.

She said: "The best thing about helping children is seeing them learn to communicate. There is nothing like watching the children grow and enjoy their learning. Seeing them struggle and then see that little smile when they finally get it is worth it completely."

Pupils at the school are coming to terms with Mrs Howden leaving and told The Evening Telegraph how sorry they are to see her go.

Eleven-year-old Joshua Peach said Mrs Howden had been really nice and caring to all the children.

He added: "I hope she does well in her new job, we will miss her a lot."

Mrs Howden is the greatest higher level teaching assistant there ever was in the opinion of Bradley Street.

Bradley (11) said: "She has helped many people including myself, she will be missed by us all."

Acting deputy head Zoe Chappell wanted to thank Mrs Howden on behalf of the whole school.

She said: "She will be deeply missed by us all and we wish her well in her new job."

Mrs Howden has promised there will not be a dry eye in the house on her last day tomorrow. She added: "We did a practise assembly and that reduced me to tears so I can guarantee the real one will.

"I have so many mixed emotions at the moment. I have made so many wonderful friends over the years and have valued their kindness, support and friendship. I am really going to miss everyone but am very excited about the challenges ahead."