When assistant headteacher Peter French leaves Cockermouth School next month he is in no doubt about what he will miss the most.

He said: "The kids, definitely the children. They are a delight to teach, be around and take away on trips.

"The teachers here are really lucky. The kids have this lovely enthusiasm, that's what makes your day."

Mr French, who teaches history and is retiring after 26 years at the school.

The 56-year-old, who lives in Papcastle, is originally from Middlesbrough. His first teaching job was in London.

He said: "I then left teaching for about five years and sold property in London.

"I went back in 1988, I missed my subject, I missed talking about it, enthusing about it, teaching it."

He joined Cockermouth School in 1990 as head of history.

Seven years later he joined the senior team and became assistant headteacher.

So much has changed over the years, especially all the technology.

He said: "What has stayed the same, and I'm delighted, is that the school still has a strong community feel.

"Local families come to this school and it's always been thus.

"The writer Hunter Davies has always applauded the school for being a classic comprehensive and he's right, it is."

Mr French's wife, Elaine, who has taught English at the school for four years, is also retiring.

She previously worked for 21 years at St Benedict's in Whitehaven.

The couple's daughter, Sophie, teaches history at Keswick School.

Their son, Sam, works in marketing and event organisation at St Benedict's School.

Mr French has lots of plans for his retirement, including researching his family history, gardening and travel.

He said: "I would like to say a big thank you to all the current pupils, former pupils and their parents. It's been 26 great years."