FIRST day at school blues are still vivid in the memory of retiring Pownall Hall teacher Jenny Hough.

"I cried ever day. I hated school. Eventually, the teachers in sheer desperation just left me by the toy cupboard, but even then it took me a long, long time to settle," she sighed.

After 21 years as the Reception teacher at Pownall, Jenny has finally decided to retire.

Her decision was hastened by a cancer scare last year and she says ruefully, "Though I am fit and well at moment, it was a wake-up call and I just want time to enjoy my own family from now on and to share in my husband's retirement."

Wilmslow's oldest school honoured one of its most memorable and much loved characters, a woman who introduced hundreds of four-year-old boys and girls to their first taste of school life.

Jenny said: "Undoubtedly my memories of my own early school days have

informed my own teaching.

"It's essential to show affection, to show warmth and to listen and to respond to every child's needs," she said.

However, she also advised mothers to remember the important part that discipline should play.

"You should not be afraid to discipline your child. I believe very, very firmly in strong discipline, but that has to be supported by warmth and reassurance." Jenny was keen to advise the new generation of young mothers.

"I understand the pressures on young mothers. They have to work extremely hard to develop their own careers as well as being mothers.

"However, I have noticed that children today lack discipline more than they did 21 years ago. Many just don't want to accept no for an answer and are looking for a way round things.

"I think it is probably because there are a lot more mums at work and just don't have the same time to devote to their children.

"I therefore believe that in many ways the role of the reception teacher is more important now than it has ever been."

Jenny is pictured planting the flowering Japanese Cherry tree that will stand at the school in her honour.

She added: "That's one of the most important elements of Pownall's success. There is a family atmosphere where everyone cares for each other. I really have appreciated the love and support of all the teachers, parents and children."

Pownall Hall Headmaster, Mr Jonathan Meadmore, said: "Teachers like Jenny are irreplaceable.

"She laid immensely strong foundations and was loved, respected and admired by everyone at the school. It goes without saying that she will be very greatly missed."