ALDER Grange Community and Technology College has paid tribute to three long-serving teachers who have retired.

The group have said goodbye to the classroom for the last time after clocking up decades of experience between them.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Michael Carr, Viv Tolley and Sue Beirne were given a fitting send-off from staff and students to mark the contribution they have made to the Rawtenstall school over the years.

Head of school Joanna Griffiths said all three teachers had made a fantastic contribution to Alder Grange over many years.

She said: “Michael Carr, Viv Tolley and Sue Beirne will be fondly remembered and much missed by staff, pupils and parents alike.

“We wish them all the very best for a restful and very well earned retirement.”

Former Ribble Valley MP Mr Carr, 69, started as behaviour support teacher in 1989 and eventually became centre manager at ag+, a unit in the sixth form building which provides individual support to pupils.

He was instrumental with helping set up ag+, spearheaded by former executive headteacher Iain Hulland and deputy headteacher Sarah Walmsley.

Mr Carr was also a school governor three times since the mid 1990s and six of his children went to Alder Grange as pupils.

He said: “I have many fond memories and it’s been a great place to work.

“Alder Grange has been an important part of my life as a parent, governor and member of staff over a number of years. It’s a tremendous school.”

Viv Tolley worked at Alder Grange twice from 1982 to 1990, and returned in January 2003.

Mrs Tolley, 63, started as a science teacher and eventually moved up to head of science.

She said: “I’ve had so much fun. Some days I can’t believe they pay me to do this.

“Everyone here has been so kind and generous and the students are magnificent.

“I’ll miss the fun, and the friends I’ve made here, but above all I’ll miss the teaching.”

Special needs specialist, Sue Beirne was at Alder Grange for approximately 25 years.

Mrs Beirne, 62, focused on teaching special education needs pupils and was also a head of year.

She said: “It has been a constantly absorbing job and I’m going to miss it so much.”