A SCHOOL has bid a sad farewell to two teaching stalwarts who have helped develop young minds for two decades.

Barnard Castle Preparatory School has seen the retirement of both its headmaster Ted Haslam and director of studies Chris Lane, who saw pupil numbers more than treble under their leadership.

Addressing speech and prizegiving day Mr Haslam said: "I have had a terrific time as head of Barney Prep – not many independent schools would have taken a chance on a bearded vegetarian Aussie.

"I know that I will be leaving the school in very capable hands and am happy to hand it over to the new head Carl Rycroft.

"Things will continue to change and adapt with the times and I know that, just as I do, he will care greatly for the school, the staff and all the pupils."

Mr Haslam did his teacher training in Melbourne and came to England at the age of 23. Twenty years ago when he joined the school there were just 65 boys. Today the roll exceeds 200 comprising half girls and boys, aged four to 11.

Deputy headmaster Nick Seddon said: "I have learned so much from Mr Haslam, listened to his wise advice and marvelled at his genuine care and concern for every child.

"He often says that schooldays should be highly enjoyable and I don’t know any children who haven’t enjoyed prep school while he’s been the head."

Miss Lane was guest of honour and received the headmaster’s prize – a bronze kangaroo presented to the school seven years ago by botanist David Bellamy.

She said: "Over the years the school has grown in size and acquired some fantastic resources – but it has retained its happy family atmosphere.

"Now I am stepping into the unknown. But there are dogs to be walked, hills to be climbed, rock faces to be abseiled down. You might just see a shrieking 60-year-old dangling from a harness in the Dales somewhere."

Prizes were given to pupils for their academic and sporting achievements, musical accomplishments and general behaviour.

Results: Day Pupil Salver, Jack Ellis; Boarding Cup, Rory Holden; Citizenship Trophy, Michael Wilkinson; Endeavour Plate, Jack Glowienko; Director of Studies Prize, Kerin Borer; Sportsmanship Shield, Jack Marston; Speech and Drama Cup, Caitrin Robertson; Music Cup, James Preston-Pacey; Wood Cup for Sport, Tom Metcalfe; Grant Cup for Sport, Sarah Scanlon; Pre Prep Courtesy Award, James Gray.