A POPULAR teacher, who still wears his academic gown and bow tie after 35 years in the classroom, will take his last lesson today.

Robert Pritchard, or "Roz" as he is known to pupils and staff at Stockton's Tilery Primary School, is retiring.

The self-confessed eccentric is looking forward to spending more time with wife Carole, walking and tending his allotment. But he has mixed feelings about giving up teaching and does not think he will be able to resist supply work.

"I will miss the children tremendously, there is no doubt about that," said Mr Pritchard, 56, of Theakston Grove, Stockton.

"And, of course, the staff. I have been at this school for 34 out of my 35 years and made some fantastic friends."

Before joining Tilery Primary School, Mr Pritchard spent a year at Frederick Nattrass Primary School, in Norton.

He is renowned for wearing the gown his mother bought him as a graduation present after he completed his teaching training course in Swansea.

Generations of pupils have been taught by Mr Pritchard, who has been meeting up with former pupils and old colleagues to say goodbye.

Looking back on his career, Mr Pritchard said: "You have got to have that personal touch, that is what makes a good teacher.

"It is a very rewarding job and it is wonderful to be able to talk to pupils past and present and think - 'I made a difference'."