A FAMILIAR face was missing when term restarted this Thursday at St Patrick's RC Primary School in Consett.

Headteacher Ted Young was treated to a surprise retirement party when he left the school at the end of the Christmas term.

Mr Young, 58, started his career as a teacher at St Patrick's RC Primary School, in Consett, in 1969. After teaching for two years, he went to Australia for four years before returning to St Patrick's.

Mr Young taught at the school for 14 years before being appointed deputy headteacher at Brooms RC School, in Leadgate. He became headteacher at St Godric's RC Primary School, in Durham, before returning to St Patrick's.

He said: "It has been something of a love affair with St Patrick's. All three of my sons came to school here. I put it down to it being a fantastic school with fantastic children and traditions."

During Mr Young's time as headteacher, the school won national recognition with four awards - the Healthy Schools Award, Active Mark Gold Award, International Schools Award and Football Association Charter Mark.

Mr Young, who plans to play more golf, is replaced by deputy head Pat Henson.