A teacher who earned herself a reputation which terrified her pupils, as many returned home badly bruised, was driven out of the village by a horde of screaming saucepan-banging, bell-ringing mothers.

The village was Hook and the story came to light during research by former resident Brian Griffin. Mr Griffin has handed his research to the Hook History Society, and it will be featured in an exhibition next month.

In her first week as head of the school the teacher caned six and expelled two. Her belief was that you could beat learning into children!

Mr Griffin wrote: As she went through the gate for the last time, she was confronted by a mob of angry women. This was their day of retribution. As she strode defiantly down Furzy Hill towards Hook bridge she was surrounded by an angry, swearing, yelling mob swelled by children just out of school. The women were carrying saucepans and frying pans which they banged loudly together while others rang bells.

Following her removal from the school by the Education Authority, much more appropriate Heads were appointed and the school’s reputation soared, and attendance and achievement awards soon became the order of the day.

The Exhibition will be held in Hook Sports and Social Club from September 12 to 15, when the village’s fascinating and often troubled past will be highlighted.

It is difficult to believe, but it was after the First World War that the County Highway Authority finally relented and built a road linking Hook with the main road to the market town of Haverfordwest. The villagers also had to fight tooth and nail to persuade the County Council to open a school in Hook prior to which 70 or more children had to walk in all weathers to neighbouring Llangwm. A school for Hook children was even vehemently opposed by the Vicar of Llangwm! All this information and much more will be on display at the Exhibition.