THE vice-principal of a Darlington college will retire after 32 years of teaching.

John Garmston has been the second in command at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College for nearly 20 years.

The 58-year-old is taking early retirement to spend more time with his wife, Jean, and to indulge his love of sport.

"I'm a self-confessed sport addict and it will be great to have time to follow all the sports I love," said Mr Garmston.

"Both Jean and I enjoy travelling and this is the main reason for my decision to retire.

"There are lots of places all over the world that we want to see and we want to visit them while we still can."

Mr Garmston, who lives at Hurworth, joined the college in 1988.

"I'm never happier than when I am in front of a class of students, teaching physics - the subject I love," he said.

"I'm going to miss QE - both the students and the staff - and I'm proud to have been able to contribute to the development of one of the most successful sixth-form colleges in the country."

David Heaton, principal of the college, said: "John has been a superb vice-principal and wonderful colleague.

"He is probably the most meticulous, well-organised person I've ever met.

"He will be a very hard act to follow."