A heartwarming reunion was held at a city school as around 70 colleagues past and present celebrated the conclusion of a 34-year career.

Brenda Moore started at Nelson Infant School as the school's welfare assistant in 1990 and celebrated her last day on Friday.

She moved into supporting the school office, before stepping up to manage finances when the school secretary left in 2006.

Becoming the school's permanent secretary and then school business manager, the 67-year-old has worked with seven headteachers at the Heigham Grove school.

Brenda, who couldn't believe the turnout for her surprise reunion said: "Nelson is my second family and will always be a part of me.

Norwich Evening News: Brenda Moore celebrates her retirement with Nelson Infant School colleagues head, Anna Catlin, left, and business manager, Carly Green, right Brenda Moore celebrates her retirement with Nelson Infant School colleagues head, Anna Catlin, left, and business manager, Carly Green, right (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)Norwich Evening News: Nelson Infant School business manager, Brenda Moore, celebrates her retirement after 34 years with friends, family and colleagues Nelson Infant School business manager, Brenda Moore, celebrates her retirement after 34 years with friends, family and colleagues (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

"I am one of those rare people who genuinely loved their job and couldn't wait to get up and go to work each day.

"Nelson has changed and grown so much over the years, from the classrooms, staff and of course the families.

"Certain families will always stay with me, especially those where I've seen several generations pass through the school.

"I'm often surprised when I bump into ex-pupils, some of whom are now in their 40s.

Norwich Evening News: Brenda, pictured left, with pupils at Nelson Infant School in 1991Brenda, pictured left, with pupils at Nelson Infant School in 1991 (Image: Nelson Infant School)Norwich Evening News: Brenda Moore celebrates her retirement with Marie Cockman, her first one to one pupil at Nelson Infant School Brenda Moore celebrates her retirement with Marie Cockman, her first one to one pupil at Nelson Infant School (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)
 
"It's been a very difficult decision for me to leave the school, but I'm grateful for the support of the current staff who have supported me through this transition."

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Brenda intends to maintain links by being a member of the school's parent, teacher and friends association (PTFA). 

She added: "I'm looking forward to being able to spend much more time with my family, who have been keen for me to make this decision for a long while."

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Anna Catlin, headteacher at Nelson Infant, said: "I would like to thank Brenda for her lifetime of commitment to the school community at Nelson Infants.

Norwich Evening News: Brenda Moore celebrates her retirement from Nelson Infant School with Marie Cockman, left, her first one to one pupil, and former deputy head Brenda Smith Brenda Moore celebrates her retirement from Nelson Infant School with Marie Cockman, left, her first one to one pupil, and former deputy head Brenda Smith (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)Norwich Evening News: Nelson Infant School business manager, Brenda Moore, celebrates her retirement after 34 years Nelson Infant School business manager, Brenda Moore, celebrates her retirement after 34 years (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

"I also want to thank her for the constant support on my professional and personal journey to becoming a headteacher - I honestly couldn't have done it without her.

"Brenda is the heart of our family here and we're all finding it hard to think about our school without her."