Pupils, staff and parents this week sprang surprise 80th birthday celebrations for a much-loved governor who has helped hundreds of children with reading over the years.

Chris Shaw was invited for a special lunch at Eaglesfield Paddle Primary Academy on Wednesday but had no idea about other treats laid on, including a lift in a classic car.

Mrs Shaw, of Eaglesfield, said: “I go into school three times a week to help with reading. I usually get a lift with Helen Gate in the village but when I turned up on Wednesday she said her car wouldn’t start. Then a 1965 Jaguar turned up! It was absolutely amazing.”

Mrs Shaw was driven in style by Paddle parent Neil McGurk.

“I went in and the place was full of banners and balloons. I got lots of hugs. I settled down to do what I usually do, which is read with the children, but was constantly interrupted as every class came down to sing Happy Birthday! I got a bit weepy!”

Before lunch, she was given a huge hand-made card and flowers. “It was all wonderful,” said Mrs Shaw, who has been involved with the school for 50 years. Her daughters, Lyn Robinson and Cath Dunstan, both attended the school.

Headteacher Dawn Watson said: “Chris Shaw is so special to us all, in many different ways. We wanted to say thank you for all the years of service that she has provided to the school and continues to do so.”