DEVIZES School headteacher Malcolm Irons has made an emotional announcement of his retirement to staff and pupils.

Mr Irons, 59, spent half term considering what to do and eventually decided that he wanted to go at the end of the summer term in July rather than wait until his 60th birthday next year.

He said: "It was difficult and I felt quite emotional about it when I told people last week but I think it is the right decision.

"I am confident I am leaving the school in a good place. I want to retire when I am still young and fit enough to do other things. I want to be an explorer. Not going to far off places but just exploring different things in life.

"I am very much looking forward to spending a long retirement with my wife and three children."

Mr Irons, who joined the school as head 13 years ago, said his biggest achievements included the school gaining sports college status in 2004, creating mixed year tutor groups, building programmes which have included a new sixth form block and gaining three Ofsted ratings of good.

He said: "I am quite proud of what I have achieved but I couldn't have done it without the backing of a wonderful team and support of parents and students."

He said that he had enjoyed becoming part of the community of Devizes and thanked the many people who have made him welcome in the town.

He said he had to make a decision at half term or wait to retire until next year so that there was time for a replacement to be found by September. He said the governors were optimistic a successor can be found in time for a smooth transition.

The chairman of the governors was told of his decision last Tuesday. He told his senior management team the next day followed by the rest of the staff. A letter was sent to parents on Friday.

He said: "The response has been lovely. This week a lot of students have been coming up to me saying they are sorry I am going.

"I can honestly say it has been the best job I have ever had. I would like to thank all the staff, past and present, who I have worked with for making it so. I would also like to thank all the students and parents, past and present that have been part of our extra-ordinary school community."

He said he wants to enjoy walking long-distance footpaths, travelling widely, joining his local golf club and a local choir.