Children and teachers waved goodbye to a much-loved pillar of the community today as a celebrated pre-school headteacher completed her final day of a 43-year career.

At the tender age of 72, Gabby Franklin decided to step down from the position that has formed the bulk of her life’s work – setting up and running the Knutsford Community Pre-school, in Knutsford Avenue, Watford.

Gabby formed the school more than four decades ago after deciding there was a lack of suitable early years education in the area.

The school started life in an Imperial Way scout hut but was forced to move into the classrooms of Knutsford School as it became more and more popular.

Gabby created the school from scratch, fundraising for equipment as she went.

Three moves into three different classrooms took place over the years but Gabby remained constant, helping the school earn regular “outstanding” Ofsted ratings.  

Such was the length of her career that, at the time of her leaving, Gabby had been looking after the grandchildren of some of her first entrants.

In 2015 she was awarded an MBE for her contribution to the field of education.

Daughter Vicky, who now lives in Shropshire, said: “You can never go for a quick shop with mum as she will always meet pre-school members past and present, and she will stop to chat with them.

“Mum is a legend and her leaving the area is going to hit hard as she is not only leaving her community and her pre-school, but she is also leaving our family home of 45 years.”

Earlier this month, more than 150 people from all corners of the country turned out to celebrate Gabby and her achievements at a retirement party.

True to form, she spent the day talking to former pupils and posing for selfies.