THE longest-serving head teacher in Kirklees has retired.
Tony Greenan, 58, was head of Gilthwaites First School in Denby Dale for 21 years of his 28-year career as a head teacher.
Mr Greenan, of Golcar, began teaching on Teesside in the 1960s.
He got his first job in Kirklees at Rawthorpe Junior School in 1970.
He then held posts at Reinwood Junior School at Oakes and Wilberlee Junior and Infant School in Slaithwaite.
He became head at Wilberlee in 1977 and at Gilthwaites in 1984.
Apart from a two-year secondment to Kirklees Council's Education Inspectorate Mr Greenan remained at Gilthwaites for the rest of his teaching career.
He said: "I've been told I'm the longest-serving head teacher in Kirklees, which is quite an accolade.
"It's been interesting. I have lived through a lot of changes and seen things come and go - and in some cases come back round again!
"The thing that has kept me going is that we have wonderful children, talented staff and a supportive community.
"They have given me a wonderful send off. It was emotional."
Mr Greenan received a laptop computer as a leaving gift, along with work and memory books from pupils.
During a special end-of-term assembly each class spoke of their memories of Mr Greenan's time at the school.
Mr Greenan plans to do consultancy work for Leeds University, Anglia Polytechnic University and Oldham Council.
He said: "I want to use my experience to give something back to the profession which has given me so much."
Mr Greenan also plans to spend time relaxing at his allotment and indulging his passion for walking.
