TEACHER David Nixon has retired from the Flixton school that he has attended as man and boy.

He was a fresh-faced youngster in short trousers when Wellacre High School was being built.

Having been one of the first pupils to enter the Flixton school, he was even chosen at the age of 11 to present a bouquet of flowers to the vice chairman of the school at the time, Mrs A. Wilkinson, at its grand opening ceremony on April 27, 1955.

Over the next five years Dave rose to the lofty position of prefect and deputy head boy.

A local lad through and through, Dave returned to the Flixton area after completing his teacher training at Derby College. After three years teaching in Salford, he then returned to Wellacre in May 1974 to teach English. After a further 29 years service at the school, David retired at Easter having contributed to the education of thousands of local youngsters who have passed through the school gates.

Over the years he has worked under four headmasters including current head, Ray Howell, and has seen many changes including the name of the school, as it was recently awarded 'specialist status' to become Wellacre Technology College.

At his retirement farewell held on the final day of the spring term, Dave thanked all his colleagues for their support and comradeship over many years and praised the pupils for their achievement, which has led the school to becoming one of the most popular within he borough.

For past pupils it may be worth knowing that five other teachers at the college have actually completed longer service - answers on a postcard to Wellacre Technology College for a £5 book token for the first correct answer.