ONE of East Lothian’s longest serving teachers heard the school bell ring for the final time on Thursday.

Staff, pupils and former pupils at Dunbar Primary School waved goodbye to Elaine Albano at the end of term.

The principal teacher of inclusion, equity and support called it a day after 39 years of teaching at the primary school.

She told the Courier: “It has always been a big school but it has also always been a school with a lovely atmosphere.”

Mrs Albano started as a class teacher in 1979 before becoming part of the new community schools team in the Dunbar cluster in 2000.

She then took on her current role in 2008 and is now about to step down.

Pupils and former pupils were invited to the school on Wednesday to create a giant photograph showing all the pupils she had taught.

Mrs Albano said: “I said I would retire before I taught three generations [of the same family] but unfortunately that did not happen!

“I am still in quite regular contact with somebody who is now a gran. I have a lot of good memories of kids who I now see as adults.”

Speaking before the photograph was taken, the 59-year-old was hoping for a good turnout.

Mrs Albano, of Stenton, added: “I will feel completely stupid if only two people turn up! I have genuinely no idea how many people will come.

“I am not on Facebook, I don’t have any social media.

“But I feel genuinely privileged to be part of this community.”

A full school assembly, with pupils from both campuses, took place for Mrs Albano last Friday.

The mum-of-three told the Courier she had “no idea” what the future held beyond the final school bell for her and her husband Michael.

She said: “I think it is just going to be very nice not to set the alarm every morning.”

Councillor Shamin Akhtar, East Lothian Council’s cabinet spokeswoman for education and children’s services, wished Mrs Albano well in her retirement.

She said: “Mrs Albano has been a teacher in the community for many years and over that time has made a huge impact on the lives of so many children.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank her for her dedication and commitment to the many children she has taught over those years.

“I know that the school community of Dunbar will be sad to see her go and we wish her all the very best in her retirement.”

Ward councillor Paul McLennan wished Mrs Albano well in her retirement.

He said: “She taught my daughter Kirsty. She is a brilliant teacher and well-known here. I would have just missed her at the primary school – that is scary!

“She is a well-known teacher and will be well missed.”