A POPULAR and much-loved Trowbridge playgroup leader, who has helped more than 900 children to read and write, is stepping away from the classroom after 37 years.

Lynne Chisling, the owner and play leader of the Upper Studley Pre-school, retires today.

She started at the playgroup as a parent helper before progressing to become a play assistant and then finally taking over when the previous owner Anne Fisher retired.

When the pre-school starts back in September, the new owner and play leader will be Katie Lee, who has worked there for the past five and a half years as a play assistant.

Katie said: “Lynne has spent her years dedicated to caring for and teaching hundreds of children. Everyone at Upper Studley Pre-school is very sad to see her leave.

“However, she will now be able to spend more time with her husband Ray, and her family, including her three grandchildren. We wish her all the best for the future.”

Katie has recently passed her Foundation Degree Level 5 in Early Childhood Studies at Wiltshire College in Trowbridge and hopes to go on to complete her three-year degree.