NINE hundred and fifty students at Ivy Bank High School, Burnley, gathered yesterday to say farewell to a long-serving and popular member of the teaching staff.

Neil O'Connor, in recent years senior teacher responsible for student management, is leaving the Byron Street school to become deputy head at Walton-le-Dale Comprehensive, Bamber Bridge.

Head teacher Stephen Ball paid tribute to his colleague at an end of term assembly.

Mr O'Connor, he said, had been a very special member of staff for almost 23 years.

Initially he was a member of the PE department. He was promoted to the pastoral team and latterly became a key member of the senior management team.

"In recent years Ivy Bank has become a highly regarded and very successful school and he has played a major part in all our achievements,'' said Mr Ball.

The special assembly was organised by the students and included songs, tributes and presentation.

Speaking for the students, Michael Webb said: "Everyone is going to miss Mr O'Connor. He is someone who always got the best out of us.

"He is really firm but he's got a great sense of humour and we liked having him as our teacher.''

Teachers and governors also gathered at the Oaks Hotel, Reedley, in the evening to say their own farewells.

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