A TEACHER from Trowbridge is retiring after 30 years in the classroom at Newtown Primary School.

Andy Milroy will take early retirement when the school breaks up for the Christmas holidays today.

Throughout his long career he has taught several generations of local children and is a familiar face for many Trowbridge families.

Mr Milroy said: "It is a real wrench to leave a school where I have seen so many changes and had so many great times.

"The high spot has to be the Centenary celebrations in 2000 where the pupils re-enacted the original walk from the park where children walked to see the laying of the Foundation Stone of the school in 1900.

"The attendance of

the minister for tourism in 2000, Janet Anderson, a former pupil herself, was an added bonus.

"The liveliness and friendliness of the children made teaching often great fun and very satisfying. I am sad to be leaving but look forward to new challenges.

"Living in Trowbridge, I will continue to see many of the parents and children that I have enjoyed working with over the past 30 years around the town."

Headteacher Sue Ivermee commended Mr Milroy for his dedication to the school.

She said: "We shall miss Mr Milroy and wish him well for all he does in the future. Many families and friends of the school wish to send their best wishes to Andy today he is a super teacher and colleague."