Pupils from down the years from one Dorset school came together to celebrate the retirement of a long-standing teacher.

Joan Allen, a Reception teacher of 44 years' standing at Greenford Primary School in Maiden Newton, is retiring at the end of the term.

And to mark her decades of outstanding service, former headteacher Franz Atkinson - along with a group of parents and well-wishers - organised a very special commemoration.

Using attendance registers, social media and some very long memories, Mr Atkinson tracked down one pupil from each of the 44 years of Reception classes taught by Mrs Allen at the school - and gathered them all together for a 'class photo' like no other.

The event, on Saturday, July 7, saw the 44 past and present pupils - ranging in age from one who started all the way back in 1974, to a 4-year-old currently at the school - come together at Maiden Newton's community field - to the great surprise of Mrs Allen, who was expecting a much smaller event with just a few friends.

Mr Atkinson admitted that it had been no easy feat to track down a pupil from each of the last 44 years. "It was hard," he said. "Many people have moved away, women change their names. And because of data protection, you can't just go to the county archives and look at lists of names."

But he managed it, with the help of Facebook and the sterling long-term memories of some of the school staff.

Some 250 parents and well-wishers turned out for the event, which lasted into the small hours of the next day.

"Mrs Allen was absolutely amazed," the former head said. "She couldn't believe so many people wanted to come."

The retiring teacher said the event had been 'a wonderful surprise'.

"It was overwhelming to see so many pupils, parents, colleagues and friends, who wanted to share in what was an amazing evening," Mrs Allen said. "I would like to thank everyone who helped to arrange such a special occasion.

"After 44 years working within the community, I will leave the school with many happy memories."