LONG-SERVING Rossendale headteacher Neil Thornley was given a warm send-off yesterday when a party was held at Bacup Cricket Club to mark his retirement.

Friends, family and work colleagues gathered to wish him well after working in education for 40 years.

Mr Thornley, 62, will have been headteacher of Fearns High School, Stacksteads, for 16 years when he officially retires on August 31.

His first day of teaching was on September 6, 1962 when he taught top set A-level chemistry. He announced in January this year that he was going to retire to the surprise of pupils and parents but said he had always said he would do 40 years in education.

For eight years Mr Thornley was on the national council for the National Association for Head Teachers.

He was also the union spokesman for Lancashire and ran the professional services committee.

Originally from Oldham, he lives in Middleton but plans to move to a smaller house, probably in the Manchester area.

During his retirement he is hoping to spend more time with his wife, Dorothy, and his family.

He will also be looking forward to having more free time to enjoy his hobbies, which include cooking, cycling, theatre, travelling and growing bonsai trees.

On the announcement of his retirement he said he would miss his colleagues and would also miss the freshness, openness, honesty and good sense of his pupils.