A MUCH LOVED Maryport head teacher who has brought her own special brand of magic for the last 20 years has retired.

Yvonne Craig, 56, had been the head teacher at Ewanrigg Junior School in Ewanrigg, Maryport for over 20 years before retiring in October.

Talking about the school she loves, Yvonne said: "One of my greatest achievements I feel is that when people come to Ewanrigg they say it just feels so warm and friendly it feels such a safe space, and for me that's what schools about.

"I just want to thank the community of Ewanrigg for all their trust in me its been an absolute privilege, it's not always been easy, but it's just been a joy, it's been a joy to have those children and be part of those families.

Times and Star: Yvonne with pupil and 'god-grandaughter' Edie. Yvonne with pupil and 'god-grandaughter' Edie. (Image: Supplied)

"I am very grateful to have had that opportunity and for such a long time. The school has been my baby, the staff have been my family and the children have been absolute joy."

Yvonne has been famous over the years for her love of leopard print and interesting style of office furniture, she said: "I have always believed that as a teacher you have to have a little bit of a hook.

"When I was a youngster I was a punk rocker, so I always liked a bit of leopard skin and when I started I found this second hand leopard skin chaise lounge and moved it into my office the day I started their and it became known as the couch of comfort.

"I always made sure I wore a bit of leopard skin just to capture their (the pupils) imagination really."

Times and Star: Yvonne (centre) at the Newsquest Golden Apple Awards in 2019Yvonne (centre) at the Newsquest Golden Apple Awards in 2019 (Image: Supplied)

The much loved head teacher has had to retire due to ill health caused by covid, but she won't be slowing down completely, still volunteering and assisting the new head teacher in the school as well as working now as an NEU rep in Cumberland.

Yvonne said: "I was heart broken having to make that decision, it wasn't my intention at all, that school has been like my baby, it's been my life force for 20 years.

"The one thing that kept me going is I know I am leaving the school in such good hands, we have all been together for such a long time that I have no worries about how the school is going to progress."