A HEADTEACHER has retired after a total of nearly 25 years at a Richmond school.

Jos Huddleston became deputy headteacher at the town's Methodist primary school in 1972 and was there for eight years until taking up the post of head at Hutton Rudby school, near Yarm. In 1990, he returned as headteacher.

Mr Huddleston began his career as a secondary school teacher before working in five primary schools.

In Richmond, he wrote and produced Christmas productions, including this year's show, The Christmas Parrot. He also created international links and gave children a voice in school via a school council.

More than 100 guests, including Cynthia Welbourn, corporate director of children and young people's services for North Yorkshire, attended a retirement party in the school hall.

Mr Huddleston was presented with gifts including a digital camera and a cookery course at Swinton Park Hotel, Masham, and other items from pupils. He looked forward to retirement and the chance to travel with his wife, Jen.

He said: "I have enjoyed the trust and support of parents, many of whom I have also taught. The challenge and the help of a committed governing body has been a great strength to me."