A MASS to celebrate the achievements of a dedicated headteacher who retires this summer is to be held at St Kentigern's Church, Blackpool on June 11.

Peter McCarthy (pictured), head of St Mary's RC High School, began teaching at St Joseph's College, which went on to amalgamate with Layton Hill Convent to become St Mary's, as head of science in 1970.

He was appointed deputy head before taking over as head in 1984. During his 30 years at St Mary's he brought together a school which was at one time operating on four separate sites to a central location at the former convent site on St Walburga's Road.

As well as putting the school on a single site, Mr McCarthy lists engendering a feeling of family and community among staff and pupils and the cultivation of a professional "we can do it together" view as some of the most important things he has achieved.

Married to Berny for 37 years, with two children Helen and Matthew and two grandchildren, the former Lancashire and North West hammer champion will now pursue his hobbies of fell walking, music, reading, gardening and sport. The mass will be held at St Kentigern's Church, Newton Drive, on July 11 at 7.30pm.