SIX teachers with more than 150 years of experience between them have retired.

Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Darlington, has waved goodbye to Mary Smith, Lesley Lister and John Gilmore, who have each been teaching for more than 30 years.

English Language teacher, Ms Smith, has spent the last 21 years of her career at the college and has also worked closely with mature students in her role as the college’s adult guidance tutor.

Health and social care teacher, Ms Lister has worked at the college for 15 years, taking up the role as principal tutor seven years ago, while history teacher, Mr Gilmore has worked at the college for the last 11 years, having spent 21 years at Bishop Auckland College.

Head of economics, Tony Farrer, has also retired after a 28-year teaching career and eight years at the college.

Business studies teacher Karen Johnson has spent her whole 20-year career at the college, as has maths teacher Sue Sleightholme, who retires after 13 years in the profession.

Principal Tim Fisher said: “QE is saying goodbye to a group of very talented and dedicated professionals who have made a huge difference to the aspirations and lives of so many young people.

“Their service to education and the college has been tremendous and our thanks and best wishes go to them.”