Two West Cumbrian schools have waved goodbye to headteachers who had become mainstays of their communities.

Hilda Beggs, headteacher of Maryport Junior School, retired as term ended for Christmas.

She joined the school in 1999, working first as a teacher and then as deputy head before taking on the top role.

When term restarts in January, the school will be led by Joanne Ormond, who is moving from Westfield Nursery and Primary School in Workington.

Mrs Ormond has spent 22 years at Westfield, joining as a newly-qualified teacher and also working as deputy head before becoming headteacher.

Mrs Beggs, 58, of Seaton, took on Maryport Junior School at a time when it was recognised by Ofsted inspectors as needing improvement.

She has led it to become a good school that Ofsted has said has been "transformed from the ordinary".

One key focus for Mrs Beggs have been a passion outdoor learning, which led her to become a Forest Schools practitioner and work with children from her own school and others in the town.

A member of St Paul's Church in Seaton and part of its choir, she has also developed the Church of England school's ethos and enjoyed leading its choir.

She said: "I'm leaving on a high."

Mrs Beggs qualified as a teacher in 1978 and initially taught home economics at Newlands Girls' School in Workington.

She later taught at Stainburn School in Workington and Frizington County Primary School before moving to Maryport.

She plans to enjoy some welcome quality times with husband Joe, children Gillian and Steven and grandchildren Jack, Connie and Thomas.

Sarah Kirkbride, deputy headteacher, said: "Mrs Beggs' focus and drive and her impact on the community of the school will be much missed.

"She's been 100 per cent dedicated to everything we have done and her vision has driven the school forward."

Staff and pupils treated Mrs Beggs to a number of surprises in her final week, including gifts of jewellery, vouchers and flowers.

Mrs Ormond, 45, of Workington is taking on her new role as she wanted a fresh challenge.

She is looking forwards to working as part of a church school and getting to know the community in Maryport.

She added: "My best memories from Westfield are how fantastic the children are and what a community school it is with supportive families. I have got lots of longstanding friendships here."

Pupils surprised Mrs Ormond with a flashmob during her last playground duty at Westfield and staff dressed as elves and provided her with a Santa outfit for her last day.

Westfield's new headteacher from January will be Karen Barley, who was previously deputy headteacher of Norman Street Primary School in Carlisle.