AN ENGLISH teacher retired yesterday after working at the same site for 41 years.

Robin Smith, 66, has taught at the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington, since 1960, when it was Darlington Boys Grammar School.

Mr Smith originates from Bedford, but stayed in the North-East after studying at Durham University.

During his career he has seen many changes, most notably in 1970, when the grammar school became Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, when girls were admitted for the first time and teaching was centered on 16 to 18-year-olds.

Since then, adults have also been admitted to the college, and Mr Smith has enjoyed teaching mature students on Access courses.

His youngest child, Anna, is studying for A-levels at the college, so Mr Smith will not be severing all ties.

He said: "I'll also continue to sing in the college choir and might even teach an evening class next year."

In his retirement, Mr Smith intends to spend more time on his hobbies of photography and writing poetry.

He hopes to publish a book of photographs and poems.

He is also church secretary of Aycliffe Evangelical Church and has links with Whinfield Junior School, where his wife, Margaret, is a teacher.

David Heaton, principal at the college, said: "Robin Smith's achievement in working first at the grammar school and then at the sixth form college for over 40 years is a remarkable one.

"He is a dedicated member of staff, highly respected by staff and students, and he will certainly be missed."