GLASS engraving and wood-turning are on the curriculum for teacher Mr Eric Whittle, who retired after notching up 37 years at the prestigious Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School.

Mr Whittle, 60, joined the Blackburn school on West Park Road at the end of the 1950s after working for a year at a Yorkshire boarding school. During his time at QEGS he has taught English, Art and History and worked in nearly every capacity as a teacher of the junior school and sixth form, careers master, deputy head and also became acting headmaster last year.

He retired on Friday from his current role as co-ordinator of the school.

He said: "It has been an exciting time and I have always been kept on my toes. I hope the school stays at the forefront of education and continues to be of service to the town and county."

Tapestry enthusiast Mr Whittle, is keen to take up new hobbies during his retirement and is set to try his hand at glass engraving and wood-turning.

Mr Whittle, who lives in Kittlingborne, Higher Walton, is also planning to spend time travelling with his wife, Joan, to see friends and their two children Nicholas and Rebecca, who live abroad.

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