She's got a heart of gold. 

That glowing praise was among dozens of messages the Echo received for inspirational headteacher Amanda Talbot-Jones, who is retiring next week after nearly 40 years in education. 

We asked parents, colleagues, and former students of Amanda, who has been headteacher of St Denys Primary School since 2011, to send their best wishes on her retirement.

(Image: St Denys Primary School)

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Mum Anna Olech thanked Amanda for her support of Miłosz and Mikołaj and their parents. She said: "I have been alive for 41 years, but apart from my mother, I have never met such a person with a heart of gold.

"She always had time for parents and pupils, and never refused to help, even when the case seemed hopeless. Amanda, we wish you rest and health. We will miss you very much."

Another parent, Sue Badcrumble, whose sons benefitted from Amanda's 'kind, thoughtful and imaginative headship of St Denys', added: "You were consistently approachable, warm, engaging and, well, downright lovely, as head of St Denys! Thank you for your care of every child that passed under your thoughtful, compassionate care."

Eva Wielgosz said about her daughter's head teacher: "She is a very very nice strong powerful independent lady and there should be more teachers like her."

(Image: Family collection)

Shannon Blake thanked Amanda for 'being a key part in our children's education', describing her as 'incredible'. 

Colleague Susan Harvey said 'there's always a job for you at St Denys', while Amanda was described as an amazing headteacher by Megan Harrigan, an inspirational lady by Sian Catherine and a lovely lady by Tracy Totten. 

Mum of two Amanda, who lives in Bassett with her husband Ian, previously worked at Thornhill Infant School and Weston Park Infant School, as well as working for the local authority a Key Stage 1 numeracy consultant then school improvement advisor.

She was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet The Queen to recognise her achievements in schools and was the chair of the Southampton Headteachers conference for several years.