PUPILS have been singing the praises of their headteacher who is preparing to retire this summer.

Youngsters at Belmont Cheveley Park County Primary School, in Belmont, Durham, wrote a series of letters to The Northern Echo saying what a wonderful headteacher David Bedworth, 58, has been.

Sarah Barnes, eight, wrote: "He never shouts, he is very kind, he works hard and he had been in the school for over 20 years."

Joshua Merriweather, eight, added: "We would like him to have a nice retirement. He is very good at teaching and is very nice to children."

And Adam Bentham, also eight, said: "He is the best headmaster, because he teaches us to play football."

Mr Bedworth, who has been at the school for just over 21 years, said: "I have a lot of happy memories from my time here.

"Since arriving at school, we have gone from two buildings to one, but have ended up with a playing field, which is great.

"I have had an awful lot of nice children through the school."

During Mr Bedworth's tenure, the school has had two good Ofsted reports, the last of which was glowing in its compliments.

Mr Bedworth plans to spend his retirement walking, cycling and visiting the coast of Britain, as well as playing golf.

He lives with his wife Barbara, a teacher, in Neville's Cross, Durham.