A Workington dinner lady has dished up meals for hungry children over the past 30 years.

Jean Atkinson, 64, of Fountains Avenue, Moorclose, has reached the milestone after spending 19 years at the former Garth School in Salterbeck and 11 years at its replacement, Beckstone Primary School in Harrington.

She first offered her help at Garth School in 1986 where her sister-in-law worked as a cleaner.

The school was looking for help in the kitchen and Jean started volunteering before being offered a paid dinner lady job soon after.

She said: "It's unbelievable to have done 30 years. I didn't think that I would make it.

"I enjoy looking after the kids, helping them if they've got any problems or get upset and I like being in a school environment."

While volunteering at Garth School she used to help children with their reading and writing skills.

Jean moved to Beckstone Primary School when it replaced Garth School.

Her grandson Rhys, eight, is current a pupil at Beckstone.

Jean, who also works as a cleaner, added: "I'm smiling all the time. It's also nice when you've been off and people say that they've missed you.

"I used to see Rhys a lot at first, but not since he's gone into the junior side. 

"But if he's on the field he will hop over.

"I'm enjoying it. I've got no plans to retire."