A CLITHEROE head teacher is to retire after 16 years in the post – and he hopes to renew his hobby of driving steam trains.

Paul Adnitt joined St James’ CE Primary School in 1997 after beginning his teaching career in 1974.

The former head of The Parish of St Laurence CE Primary School in Chorley oversaw the centenary of the old school building, which was built in 1897.

Mr Adnitt, 61, who has been a head teacher for 22 years, said: “I’m very proud of what I have achieved over my career in teaching and I think I have made a positive impact on children’s development and education.

“I only intended to stay at the school for a few years but I’ve ended up staying for so long because I’ve enjoyed it so much.

“It’s a great school which fantastic pupils and staff and it has been a pleasure to work her for so long.”

Mr Adnitt has also been a church school inspector for three years and was responsible for the inspection of 45 schools, mostly within Blackburn Diocese.

He said: “I will carry on doing church school inspections when I’m not busy making the most of my retirement.

“It is very rewarding and you realise every school is different and every one is special, whatever education secretary Michael Gove says.

“Faith schools have always been very good, but they have upped their game since they have started being inspected.”

The Greenacre Street school was rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted after its last inspection in 2012.

Mr Adnitt said: “I’m hoping that I will now get enough free time to start driving a steam engine again because I’ve not been able to find the time for about 10 years now.

“Whoever takes over will be in charge of a great school with fantastic prospects for the future.”