A HUSBAND and wife have stepped down from their roles as headteacher and deputy headteacher at a Darlington school.

Richard and Susan Wilde, who have worked at North Road Primary School for more than 20 years, said goodbye to pupils and staff yesterday.

The pair's decision to retire was only announced to parents and pupils a week ago.

The school's head of literacy, Norma Smith, is also retiring.

Mr Wilde, 61, the school's headteacher, said he and his wife, 57, wanted to spend more time travelling and enjoying their hobbies.

"It's the best send-off we have ever had," said Mr Wilde, who formerly worked at Byerley Park School, in Newton Aycliffe.

"It has been a marvellous day and we do appreciate it."

Councillor Lee Vasey, chairman of the governors, said they had been an asset.

David Ackroyd, headteacher of Whinfield Primary School, will be acting headteacher from September until a replacement for Mr Wilde is found.