A school governor who has overseen Rossendale's biggest secondary school for more than three decades has stepped down.

John Davey has spent more than 30 years as a governor at Haslingden High School, including 15 years as the chair.

The thought first crossed his mind 12 months ago, a year out from the four-year cycle election, which also gave incumbent chair Lee Robinson the chance to shadow and learn from him.

Mr Davey tried to become a parent governor when his children attended the school but was not selected, but went on to be co-opted onto the board at a later date.

The 78-year-old said: “The time was right, if I had carried on, I would have had another four years.

"Lee was interested in becoming chair and he is absolutely the right person for the job.”

Headteacher Russell Clarke thanked Mr Davey for his serviceHeadteacher Russell Clarke thanked Mr Davey for his service (Image: Nq)

He will be carrying on his role as chair of the Lancashire Governance Association which oversees school governing bodies across the county, and is also a governor at All Saints CE Primary School in Clayton-Le-Moors, where his grandchild is a pupil.

At his final meeting, Russell Clarke, headteacher at Haslingden High, paid tribute to Mr Davey for his decades of "tireless championing" of the school.

Mr Clarke said: “The school has seen many changes, however, it is equally fair to suggest that John has been a constant presence and, as such, offered the school community stability.

“Over the years John has seen generations of students come and go, a fair few headteachers too, through it all, he has been a steadfast leader, our wise counsel and part way through that time, took on the role as our trusted chair.

“School governors serve as a bridge between the community and the school, ensuring each decision made is in the best interest of the students, the teachers and the staff.

“Thank you for your leadership, your service and your friendship. We are a better school because of you, and we’ll carry forward everything you have given to us, just as you have carried this school forward for so long.”

Mr Davey was also Scouts district commissioner in Rossendale, and helped foster school trips and links with Rossendale's twin town Bocholt, Germany, as a founding member of the Friends of Bocholt group.

As the new chair Lee Robinson is overseeing the school's planned £40 million rebuild.

He said: “We will be building a school that will serve the community for the next 50 years.

"I think it is an exciting time for the school and we have exciting plans for the Sixth Form.”