A DEPUTY headteacher from Wallasey is to retire next week after 37 years in the same school.

Staff and students at St Mary's Catholic College, Wallasey will say a sad farewell to Mr John Lally on Friday, July 19.

During his time in the teaching profession, Mr Lally has taught English to thousands of Wirral students.

In recent times he has even welcomed to St Mary's the grandchildren of some of his former students.

But the much-loved teacher is now finally ready to hang up his chalk duster and to make a new beginning ... to enjoy a well-earned rest and the chance to enjoy his hobbies of golfing and DIY.

Mr Lally came to St Mary's in 1976, as a newly qualified teacher and after leaving his home town of Wigan, where he attended St John Rigby Boys' Grammar School.

He settled in Wallasey and married Linda, also a teacher, who worked with special needs children at Elleray Park School. They have two grown up sons and a daughter.

After serving as a head of year, he became assistant Head in 2000, beginning his deputy headship in 2011.

Mr Lally has also been Head of St Mary's Senior Pastoral Team for many years, with the care and protection of students as his major focus.

St Mary's headteacher Tony Boyle said: "This is a remarkable achievement.

"It has been a great privilege working with someone of John's calibre, and I know the community of St Mary's will miss him enormously.

"The contribution he has made to the pastoral care of children in St Mary's could never be overstated.

"He is well known and admired among colleagues and fellow professionals in Wirral local authority for his tireless efforts in helping countless children and young adults.

"John has been unstinting in his service to our young people and his passion for his work has inspired many teachers to follow in his footsteps as a pastoral leader.

"St Mary's reputation for outstanding pastoral care is a legacy of which is he is justifiably proud.

"Enjoy a well earned rest, John!"