TEACHER Jan Johnson, who has retired from Frogwell School, Chippenham after 23 years, is on the crest of a wave as she prepares to fulfil a personal dream.

Mrs Frogwell, 60, and her husband Trevor are preparing to take to the high seas in their yacht for a total change in lifestyle.

The couple will sail their yacht Medora from Wareham and head for the Mediterranean for a retirement adventure. "We are going for an indefinite period and hope to stay away as long as possible," said Mrs Johnson.

Her reception class at Frogwell School presented her with a giant collage in the shape of a yacht when she left last week. "I felt very sad to be leaving after all these years but I am going when the school is at a high point," she said.

"I have really enjoyed working at the school and will miss everybody but this is a wonderful new challenge that we have been working towards for some time."

Mrs Johnson and her husband, who retired as head of maths at John Bentley School, Calne, earlier this year, set sail for the Channel Islands at the end of last week. But their main voyage to start a new life will not happen until next spring.

In addition to the collage, Mrs Johnson was presented with an original painting by the school's resident artist Julie Ballinger and a satellite radio so that she can stay in touch during her travels. The school hopes to receive regular emails to keep them up to date with her progress.