PUPILS and staff at Four Lanes Infant School have bid a fond farewell to the school’s longest serving governor after a staggering 35 years.

Governor Martin Biermann has been with the Chineham school since it opened in 1982, which has, naturally, made him the longest serving governor in the school’s history.

Martin has been an instrumental part of the school’s creation; he was involved in the planning operation and was part of the group that came up with the name for the school, which was built on the site of Four Lanes Farm.

The school said he was valued for his continuing service as a local authority representative on the governing board, providing valuable input and advice on a wide range of issues.

Martin’s commitment was recognised during the school’s Harvest Assembly, where he was presented with a book of thanks made by the children containing their own pictures and messages and he also planted a cherry tree with pupils from the Eco Council.

Headteacher Jacqui Mallaby said: “It was wonderful to hear some of Martin’s memories of Chineham and in particular to learn the origins of the school’s history.

“Many of the children have worked with Martin in the Eco Council and we were delighted to see Martin plant a cherry tree in the eco-garden along with the council members past and present.

“We do hope Martin keeps in touch and he is always welcome as a friend of the school.”

After his 35 years of service to the school, Martin said: “Stepping down has been a difficult decision, especially at a time when there are ever growing pressures on schools to perform to high standards with ever increasing uncertainty about funding.

“That said the rewards of setting infant age children off in a good direction are almost beyond measure.”