Stalwarts say goodbye to local school

Four teachers with more than 120 years of teaching experience between them have bid a fond farewell to a Black Country secondary school.

Ian Murray, Pete Cannon, Sue Thompson and Mike Brennan had a farewell party thrown for them by more than 200 staff members at Holly Lodge High School in Smethwick.

Deputy headteacher Mr Cannon, aged 57, started as a supply teacher in 1974 just as the school became Smethwick Hall Boys' High.

Mr Cannon served as editor of the school magazine and football team manager among his contributions to the facility over the years as well as his time spent teaching English and history.

Assistant headteacher Mr Brennan, aged 60, started at Smethwick Hall Boys in 1979 as head of geography before becoming part of the senior management team.

Maths teacher Mrs Thompson, aged 53, has worked at the school for more than 35 years, having starting her career at Holly Lodge.

Special needs teacher Mr Murray, aged 58, left the school after 22 years and was known for his compassionate and caring nature.

Mr Murray also acted as the National Union of Teachers school rep for a number of years and is leaving to take up a full-time position with the union.

Retirement will allow Mr Cannon, Mr Brennan and Mrs Thompson to spend more time with their families after years of service to the school.