PUPILS and staff said a fond farewell to a retiring headteacher.

Martin Braidley took the top job at Woodhey High School, Ramsbottom, 14 years ago and has worked in education for 37 years.

The school opened in 1979 and Mr Braidley is one of only two headteachers to have led the school in that time, the other being Frank Bennett.

Mr Braidley, 59, said: “It certainly doesn’t seem 14 years since I first walked through the front door at Woodhey.

“I have really enjoyed my time here and have taken great pride in the development of the school.

“Woodhey has always been a superb school and it has been a real privilege to lead a school with such pleasant pupils, dedicated colleagues, supportive parents and knowledgeable governors.”

A keen water polo player, footballer and Rochdale FC fan, Mr Braidley graduated from Leeds University in 1976 and has taught in schools in Yorkshire and Lancashire.

He said: “My wife Rowan retired on the same day and we plan to move to York to be nearer our son, Daniel, and his family.

“Our daughter, Janna, had twin boys in April and lives in Rochester, Kent.

“We hope to spend more time with our children.”

The school’s assistant headteacher Andrew King said: “Well over 3,000 pupils have passed through the school in Mr Braidley’s time as headteacher and all have found him to be a caring and attentive man who will always make time for others.”

Mr Braidley will be replaced by Brian Roadnight, who is joined by a new deputy headteacher, Lisa Dobson.

Mr Braidley will have one of the school’s house groupings named after him.