A PAIR of much-loved teaching assistants at Newtown's Welsh language school have bid farewell after a combined experience of almost 60 years.

Staff and pupils at Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd said goodbye and a big thank you to Anne Green who has retired after 29 years and Sharon Williams who after 27 years has gone to work for the NHS.

Headteacher Darryn Green, who was taught by Anne and Sharon as a pupil at Ysgol Hafren, said the pair have been "stalwarts" supporting hundreds of children through Welsh language education and paid tribute to their roles which often goes "under the radar".

County Times: Sharon Williams was presented with gifts from pupils on her final day after 27 years.Sharon Williams was presented with gifts from pupils on her final day after 27 years. (Image: Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd)

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He said: "It's just their passion for the Welsh language and towards education in Newtown which is second to none. It's absolutely brilliant.

"Without them we wouldn't be where we are today. It's important to say diolch yn fawr iawn to them for all they've done: their hard work, dedication and for their friendship.

"We've got a fantastic group of staff. It's like one big family, I know it's a bit of a cliche thing to say but it is true."

Anne and Sharon have seen big changes at the school and for the Welsh language in Powys' largest town since the early 1990s from a unit at Ysgol Hafren to a brand-new school in Plantation Lane.

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Anne said: "It's bittersweet but knowing that I’ve given lots of children through the Welsh school lots of opportunities and I hope I’ve given them a good base to start from.

"There have been special staff: Mrs Menna Jones, Mrs Elsbeth Pierce Jones, Mrs Menna Wilson, Miss Nia Roberts, Mrs Non Roberts, the list goes on and on. They have done so much for the Welsh language, it was amazing.

"I'm hoping these children will realise the value of the staff they've had and grown with them. It's been amazing, totally amazing."