The headteacher of award-winning Threshfield School, Helen Jarvis, has retired after 18 years.

But she will not be putting her feet up and relaxing, as she has plans for the future.

For the next month, she is hosting a 16-year-old girl from Chernobyl and will then devote her time to writing and producing a pantomime for Settle drama group Take One, penning a children’s book and serving as a trustee to the Young Writers charity.

She has also set up a teaching resource website – helenpatriciajarvis.co.uk – which provides information for use in assemblies and lessons.

However, Mrs Jarvis is used to a busy life and arrived at Threshfield School in a bit of a whirlwind.

“I married my husband Graham on the Wednesday, moved to a new home in Langcliffe on the Saturday and started at Threshfield on the Monday,” she recalled.

And she has loved her time at the village school, which has won several awards during her tenure.

“I adore working with children. Many people have mentioned the awards, but I judge my success on how many children’s lives I have made a difference to. I have worked with some amazing children and I am proud of them all,” she said.

Mrs Jarvis – who won a top teaching award for her leadership – was guest of honour at a “leaving assembly”.

Children, staff and parents gave her a host of farewell gifts including books made by the pupils, a theatre voucher and pictures of the school. And Mrs Jarvis had a special present for everyone, including a log book.

“Headteachers stopped writing in the school log in the early nineties,” said chairman of governors Peter Huff. “Mrs Jarvis has completed the log to the turn of the last century which means we now have 150 years of handwritten school history.”

He paid tribute to Mrs Jarvis’s hard work and achievements.

Mrs Jarvis told the Herald: “It was a very moving occasion. I shall miss everyone very much. I have loved working at this wonderful school and consider myself very lucky. I was very touched by all the tributes and presents, especially the reminiscences of the children – and the muffins made by ex-pupil Jess Berry!”