Hazel Schmidt has come full circle by working back at the school where she started her education.

The Skills Training Centre, where she works as the administration manager, has relocated to the former site of St Mary's, in Prittlewell - where Hazel started school as a five year old.

When the lease expired last year the centre moved to the vacant school from Vanguard Way.

The skills centre offers a host of qualifications in furniture making, design and upholstering, including day and evening classes.

The centre works in partnership with South East Essex College to offer training for all ages as a career option or simply to learn a new hobby.

Hazel, now 57, lived in nearby St Benet's Road as a toddler. Hazel and brother Derek were both enrolled at St Mary's Church school.

She particularly remembers that all the children attended church one day a week at St Mary's.

She said: "One day, a classmate reported me for having my eyes open during prayers. Of course, at that tender age I couldn't figure out that the schoolboy must have had his eyes open to have seen me. Fortunately, the teachers were more observant."

Hazel is now occupying the office next to the headteacher's office and is enjoying her return to school.

"It's wonderful being here. It's a lovely building and I don't have any bad memories of it."

Her brother Derek is also in the furniture business having worked for many years at John James Furniture in Southchurch Road, Southend.

Tuition - Hazel Schmidt keeps an eye on student Robin Titton during an upholstery lesson

Picture: MIKE BELLENIE

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