There were tears and cheers at a Barrhead primary a decade ago as a much-loved headteacher embarked on her retirement.

Patricia Kennedy was honoured one last time at St Mark’s Primary as a special Mass took place to mark her departure.

Colleagues, parents, pupils and special guests made sure the popular teacher went out on a high after 11 successful years at the school.

They threw her a leaving bash and the children put on a show and presented her with a book filled with all the memories they had of her.

Acting principal teacher Christine Healey said at the time: “In the 11 years in which Mrs Kennedy has been headteacher at St Mark’s she has done so much for the school, including helping it become the best in Scotland when school inspectors awarded 11 ‘excellents’ in various categories.

“She will be sadly missed by staff and pupils at the school.”

Under Mrs Kennedy’s leadership, the school made history in 2003 as it became the first in East Renfrewshire to earn a prestigious Green Flag award.