A NEWPORT teacher who joined his school as a sixth former and returned to teach English for the next 36 years retires at the end of this term.

Glyn Thomas, 57, started at St Julian's School on September 4, 1972, as a sixth form pupil where he won the head teacher's award for golf two years running.

After completing his degree at St Luke's College, Exeter, Mr Thomas returned to St Julian's in 1977 to cover maternity leave, teaching English and maths in the lower school known as Hatherley School where his father was head teacher.

He progressed to become assistant head of year and then acting second in the English department, and regularly tutored pupils after school.

Jacqui Rowe, one of two directors of literacy at St Julian's School along with Sharon Boote, said Mr Thomas will be remembered as a good classroom teacher.

"He is a member of staff who makes people smile, whether it be pupils or other staff," said Miss Rowe. "His greatest asset is that he has worked in the English department which is often all women and he copes admirably, and quite enjoyed his status as the only male member of staff. We will miss him."

Mr Thomas, a golf fanatic who is currently enjoying a holiday in Thailand, is due to return to the school next year as an exam invigilator.