HEADTEACHER Hugh Burkinshaw is looking forward to spreading his wings when he retires next month after 36 years in the profession.

Mr Burkinshaw, who began his career in Barnsley in 1968, has been headteacher of Peel Park Primary School, Accrington, for 20 years.

He will finish at the end of the summer term. He said: "Without a doubt I will miss the kids, the joyfulness and the absolute refreshing nature of the children. We have 600 pupils here, yet we do manage to retain a family atmosphere which we have built up over the years."

"I have asked everybody if they will let me be the last one out of the building on my last day. I want to lock up for the last time. I will be gutted."

Over the past 20 years Mr Burkinshaw has witnessed the march of technology and an almost unrecognisable change in the role of headteachers.

He said: "What I won't miss is the paperwork. One of the biggest changes in the job over the last few years is that it has become increasingly more remote from the children because of all the paper-pushing and bureaucracy."

"Funding is also a problem now for schools. I am retiring just under two years prematurely and the thing that tipped the balance and helped me to make the decision to leave was having to balance a shrinking budget and being expected to provide more services from fewer resources, which just doesn't match with the image of educational funding portrayed in the media."

"We have also become very much exam-driven. There is a lot of pressure and a lot less opportunity for spontaneity."

Mr Burkinshaw lives in Padiham with his wife of 35-years Sandria, the daughter of ex-Burnley footballer Jimmy Strong.

She has recently retired from her position as a special school teacher. They have two grown-up children Adrian and Fay and a 14-month old grandson Brandon.

Mr Burkinshaw said he is looking forward to relaxing and spending more time with Brandon when he retires.

He said: "Initially I will just be catching my breath because the job can be so hectic."

"We have a touring caravan, which we take to France every year, and it's going to be a wonderful opportunity to go to France at times when we wouldn't have previously been able to go."

"We are also going to Skiathos for two weeks when the children return to school because I don't want to be around. I will be thinking about everyone coming back."

The new headteacher at Peel Park will be Mrs Judith Williams, who is a special needs adviser for Lancashire Education Department and former headteacher of Casterton School in Burnley.