TWO teachers are leaving a Lake District school after chalking up a combined 74 years.

Both Steve Field and Moya Howson started teaching at the Lakes School, Troutbeck Bridge, near Windermere, in 1979, and after 37 years apiece are saying goodbye as the academic year draws to a close.

When Mr Field joined he was part of a very small group of teachers responsible for delivering PE lessons to approximately 500 pupils, far more students than currently attend the school.

He has credited the friendly staff and 'fantastic' students for making it so easy for him to stay for such a long period of time.

"The colleagues I've worked with over the years – even though some of them have changed – it's always been fantastic. I've never been one to work up the ladder I've just been very, very happy to work with some fantastic staff and students."

Now though, he is looking forward to more spare time with a new part-time bar job allowing him to improve his golf handicap.

Mrs Howson moved to the Lake District from Cheshire in 1979 and started at the Lakes School teaching maths and science.

She played a key role in developing courses for the older pupils in business, IT, travel, and tourism as well as accompanying pupils on regular trips abroad.

"I have worked with some wonderful people in many different fields at the Lakes School over the past 37 years," she said. "I am now looking forward to spending more time with my husband and family and having the time to pursue my favourite hobbies, visit many new places on my wish list in the UK and France and becoming ‘hands on’ in completing the restoration of our cottage on Anglesey."