FEW teachers these days still wear academic gowns but not a day goes by when Robert Pritchard doesn't wear his.

Complete with his vast array of bow ties, Mr Pritchard - Roz to his friends - is a traditional schoolmaster.

But all that will change for the children of Tilery Primary School, in Stockton, because he is retiring at the end of the school year after 34 years' service.

He said: "I know it is a bit weird, but I am a bit of an eccentric chap anyway so I do not mind it because it is a bit of fun.

"I said it as a joke when my mother asked what I wanted as a present when I graduated and I was so surprised when she actually got it for me, but I thought 'stuff it', I will wear it anyway."

"Nearly 35 years later, I have still got it and the thing is the children really like it and you need that when you are teaching to keep their attention."

The 56-year-old plans to spend more time walking on the North York Moors.

He is also aiming to write children's plays and plans to work as a supply teacher to stop him getting bored.

He said: "I will miss the energy of the children because they are so full of life, but I will pop back from time to time to make sure they don't forget me."