NEXT week marks the end of an era for Radcliffe Riverside High School as five long-serving teachers retire.

Phil Hilton, Mike Ingram, Chris Fogg, Cath Turner and Anne Shackleton aftre leaving after a total of 152 years' service.

Staff and pupils will bid them a fond farewell during a presentation on Thursday, the final day of term.

Science teacher Mr Fogg (57), who is the manager of the learning centre, has worked at the school for 35 years. He has spent most of his time at the former Radcliffe High School, and his other duties include being a pastoral manager.

Mr Fogg, who lives in Wigan, said: "I am looking forward to having a more relaxing time. I am going to do some work still, but I will do some bird-watching and travel the world as well. I will miss the staff and the pupils though."

Mr Hilton, a teacher in art and design, and resistant materials, joined Radcliffe High 33 years ago and has been there ever since.

The 54-year-old, who lives in Middleton, said: "I want to do some artwork for myself and some photography.

"I am a very keen musician as well, so I'm going to do that.

"I'll miss the school very much, especially the staff and the students. I'm going to make a point of coming back and keeping in touch with people."

Also retiring is geography teacher Mrs Turner (51), who is also head of the lower school.

She joined Coney Green High 29 years ago and has spent most of her time at the site.

Mrs Turner, who lives in Bury, said: "I'm looking forward to leaving, but I shall miss the friendship and the laughs I have had at the school."

Maths teacher Mrs Shackleton (55), who lives in Bury, is retiring 25 years after joining Radcliffe High.

She said: "It will be nice to have time to myself. I will miss the contact with the pupils though."

Science teacher Mr Ingram will also retire on Thursday after a period of long-term sick leave. He has spent 30 years at the school, mainly at the Coney Green site.

Associate headteacher Mr Ian Bott said: "Collectively, they have served the people of Radcliffe, in some cases through several generations, for over 150 years."