THE head of the school visit programme for Warburtons has retired after 12 years of education work with thousands of school children.

Marlene Shepherd, of Bolton, hung up her pinny last week at Croston Primary School in Leyland.

Marlene pioneered the school visit concept at the region's top bakery company, establishing a blueprint for educating schoolchildren which has been adopted throughout the business.

Bill Pickering, general manager of the Bolton bakery, said: "Missed by colleagues and school teachers alike Marlene definitely had a way with kids and was often recognised in the local supermarket."

She was presented with a cheque from colleagues at Warburtons at a special presentation.