DEDICATED pensioner Gwen Barsby will be taking a well-earned rest after helping children in Chalfont St Peter to read for the past 22 years.

Mrs Barsby, who will be 80 in March, began her voluntary tutoring after she was posted to Ireland with the Women's Auxilary Airforce (WAAF) during World War Two.

She was shocked when she discovered how many local women could not read and write.

She said: "It was so sad. It is such a terrible handicap so I take so much pleasure from helping the children."

Mrs Barsby of Cross Lanes, Chalfont St Peter, began her work as a helper for Gravel Hill School, which used to be in Chalfont St Peter, when she moved to the village in 1979. She joined Robertswood Combined and Nursery School in Denham Lane in 1983 when Cheena School and Gravel Hill merged.

She added: "I will miss the children, but I am taking so many happy memories."

Mrs Barsby is moving to Norfolk during the summer holidays.