A HEAD teacher in Great Harwood is to go on an extended summer holiday after retiring from his post of 19 years.

Tony O'Neill, head at Our Lady and St Hubert's RC School, was presented with a cheque and a gold-plated golf trophy at a special school assembly held in his honour.

Two infant school children also presented flowers to Mr O'Neill's wife, Julie, and his 83-year-old mother, Mrs Teresa O'Neill.

Each class had been secretly preparing a special presentation in the form of poems and songs to present to Mr O'Neill at the assembly.

Chair of governors, Eileen Hayes said: "Our Lady and St Hubert's is a family school with a strong, positive commun-ity and over the years Mr O'Neill has been a father figure to many of the children.

"He is always ready to listen to them and they have a great love and respect for him.

"His legacy is a welcome openness to parents and visitors alike."

New head teacher, Kay Schofield, will take over in September.