THE sound of almost 1,000 children cheering raised the roof at Claycots Primary School as they showed their love for a woman who has taken care of three generations of pupils.

Shirley Edwards, 63, began work at the school in Monksfield Way in Slough 36 years ago. Recently she has managed the school's Enigma services offering care for pupils before and after official school hours.

As an unsuspecting Mrs Edwards walked into the main hall on Friday she was greeted by the sight of 980 pupils all gathered to cheer her.

Several raised their hands when associate headteacher Ian Newton if there was anyone whose grandparents had been cared for by Mrs Edwards.

Executive head Rebecca Whitlock said: "Many teachers here had not been born when Mrs Edwards started."

She told her: "We are so proud of you. You are inspirational."

Mrs Edwards, whose second grandchild is due soon, was visibly moved. She told the children: "It has given me so much happiness to see you all growing up over the years."

She has many memoires but one is particularly vivid.

She said: "I'll never forget when the roof came off in the hurricane. I opened the door and a bookcase landed at my feet. We moved all the children to the main hall for safety.

"There had to be a lot of rebuilding, we were Terrapin City for while."

That was a long time ago though. A tea party on Monday saw three generations of pupils past and present gather to thank the woman who took such such good care of them.

She was presented with a piece of Swarovski crystal, a watch, and an art work featuring tiny children's finger prints on butterflies representing each class in the school.

Among her fans was Justin Hibbit, 39, now site manager at the school who said: "I remember Mrs Edwards calming me down when I threw a tantrum because I could not get a ride on the school trike. She has not changed."

School admin officers Heather Varley and Kelly Jennings also benefitted from her care when they were children.

Mrs Edward has been married throughout her time at the school to John who works in the security business. They recently moved from their home in Odencroft Road to a new home in Reading.