TEACHERS at Kendal’s two top secondary schools who have almost 200 years’ experience between them have retired.

Four teachers from Kirkbie Kendal and three from Queen Katherine School brought an end to their glittering careers at the end of the summer term.

KKS said goodbye to John Dawson, Dan Nicholl, Bill Todner and Jenny Whalley - who together clocked up an astonishing 117 years of service.

KKS headteacher Phil Hyman said: "The school has been blessed to have these teachers here and students that they have taught have been very fortunate. We are going to miss them and I personally am going to miss them.”

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Over at QKS, students said their final farewells to Kevin Bell, Martin Sansby and Chris Mullen - who had a combined total of 72 years’ experience under their belts.

Mr Bell, as well as teaching Design and Technology, was the man behind many of the school’s productions and has inspired thousands of drama pupils over the years.

He said: “I am proud that many former design and technology students that I have taught are now in the workplace, in design and engineering-related careers in this country and abroad.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching. It has been a privilege to teach such talented students with supportive and friendly parents.”

Maths teacher Chris Mullen, who has played in the staff band for 17 years, said: “The buzz from having a good relationship with a class at all levels and seeing them enjoying mathematics and succeeding is the main reason I have been so pleased to be a maths teacher.”