Video: Olive Brown, 90, retires from reading role at Stoneferry Primary School in east Hull

FOR more than a decade, children at an east Hull primary school have welcomed a very special visitor to help them with their reading.

Now, after just turning 90, Olive Brown has finally closed the book on her career at Stoneferry.

Olive was invited to a special assembly to mark the occasion and said she will miss the children's smiling faces the most.

"I have loved every minute of my time at Stoneferry Primary," she said.

"If I could carry it on I would but, unfortunately, my eyesight isn't what it used to be.

"I will miss coming here and helping the children to read."

Olive has been teaching children at the school to read for almost 12 years.

Yesterday, among piles of hardback and paperback books, she captured the imagination of her subjects for one final time.

Callum Stoakes-Bolton, Dylan Millington and Millie-Mae Santos were the lucky three chosen to hear Olive's final chapter.

Callum, six, said he will miss Olive's help during reading sessions.

He said: "She has really helped with my reading. I will really miss her and her stories. I have really enjoyed her help."

Five-year-old Dylan said: "If we got something wrong when we were reading she helped us to correct our mistakes.

"I will definitely miss her help."

Olive began working with the school under the Pooh Bear reading scheme.

However, the literacy charity was forced to close in 2011 after 35 years.

Since its closure Olive has continued visiting the school, giving her time for free to help improve the children's reading skills.

She said: "If I can help one child to read, I will. Seeing them smiling and enjoying their reading has been fantastic.

"I am very grateful to the school for allowing me to come in and help.

"It will certainly be a big change but I think the time is right to say goodbye."

Olive came into the school every Tuesday and Thursday to hold hour-long reading classes.

She started running the classes just before current headteacher Joanne Harrison joined the school 11 years ago.

Miss Harrison, who is now in her fifth year of headship at Stoneferry, said: "Olive has come in every week, whether it is snowing or raining and has always been so reliable.

"It is so important to keep children interested in books and reading and that is what Olive has been able to do.

"The children have loved having her around and have really developed with her help.

"They see her as a grandma figure."

During the assembly, the children provided Olive with a special rendition of Happy Birthday and handed over cards, flowers and a cake.

Miss Harrison said Olive has been full of life from the minute she walked through the door and said there will always be a place for her at the school.

She said: "She used to come to us and then go dancing afterwards. She is an amazing character and was always pleased to see the children.

"Olive will be a massive loss to the school. She has helped hundreds of children over the years.

"We hope she will return in the future."