WELL-loved teacher Andy Kear has retired after more than 33 years at Bream School as a class teacher, PE and sports co-ordinator and residential visit leader.

Born and raised in the Forest, Andy attended Yorkley Primary School, then Lydney Grammar (now Whitecross).

He gained his teaching qualification in 1978, with PE as his main subject, at Shenstone College in Bromsgrove, where he met his future wife Christine, who continues to teach part-time at Bream.

Following a term at Overross School Ross on Wye, Andy began teaching at Bream in January 1979, his career effectively spanning five decades from the 1970s to the 2010s. He has taught across all year groups in KS2 and has been based in eight different classrooms, four of which have been demolished and replaced over the years.

Andy has led bream School to an outstanding record of sporting achievements in the Forest area, instilling an enormous sense of pride in his pupils, says a school spokesman.

Under his tutelage, the school entered the GPJ Multisports tournament for most of the years of his tenure, only missing out on two finals since 1990.

In netball the school enjoyed a consecutive five-year run of wins. At rounders, Bream teams had an unbeaten run of 14 years. In cricket, both boys and girls teams played in the county finals and have represented Gloucestershire in the SW tournament, travelling to Cheltenham, Taunton and Exmouth.

In several tournaments both Bream A and B teams played each other in the final. The school also fared well in the cross country events, many pupils going on to the county championships.

Many former pupils have continued to play and achieve sports honours at their secondary schools, some choosing careers in sport, having had a love of sport inspired by Andy.

"Andy's philosophy on teaching is that while English and Maths and other academic subjects are important, children need to become good citizens, have pride in themselves and their team and to cherish their natural environment: these can only be learned through experiencing life in the outdoors," said the school spokesman.

A celebration party was held at Lydney Cricket Club, organised by his family, for many friends, colleagues and former pupils. Photos of school teams coached by Andy over the years were on display.

A 'Goodbye Mr Kear Day' was held at the school, pupils and staff dressing as Mr Kear either in his more formal classroom attire or in sports gear. Following a lunchtime buffet with school colleagues and governors, Andy was guest of honour, seated on a throne at a celebration concert. Each class performed a tribute.

In retirement Andy has a garden awaiting his attention but intends to continue his association with Lydney Cricket Club, as both a coach and a player. As a lover of history and the natural environment, walking and cycling also feature strongly in his plans. Fortunately for Bream Andy promises to pop back in occasionally to coach sports.

He received several presentations from parents, pupils, staff and governors.

'"I have been blessed to have been able to do the job I have done for so long, in such a lovely place, with wonderful people: my colleagues, the pupils and their parents alike. I will have so many happy memories to treasure forever. Best wishes to you all," he said.