MORE than 100 friends, family and pupils, both past and present, attended a farewell service and lunch for retiring Sunday school teacher Ailsa Newton.

For the last 50 years Mrs Newton has taught youngsters in Minehead, either through the Sunday school or the junior church section.

On Sunday, many of her former pupils joined worshippers at St Andrew's Church, in Minehead, to give thanks for her work and dedication.

Mrs Newton was said to be "thrilled" to see so many friends and received many retirement gifts, including a commemorative plate, an album of photographs and thank you letters, flowers and a cheque.

She is pictured surrounded by Newton family members, from the left, Stephanie, aged three, Thomas, aged eight, William and Kieran, aged one, Carolyn, Mrs Newton, Diane, Oliver, aged six, and Richard.

Photo: Steve Guscott.