A PE teacher at Devizes School is retiring this month after 29 years of educating teenagers in the town.

Colin Herring has taught generations of local people since he started at Devizes School in 1988, and he is now reaching the end of his final year of teaching.

“Working with Devizes kids over the years has been fantastic,” he told Wiltshire Gazette & Herald. “They’ve always been enthusiastic and into sport. As well as working with talented pupils I’ve also really enjoyed working with those who couldn’t catch or couldn’t swim and being able to teach them a new skill.

“Devizes has been a great school to work at and my different roles over the years – teacher, head of PE, head of house, head of year – have definitely kept it challenging for me.

“It has been interesting, too, to teach different generations of the same families and to see past pupils come in for their own children’s parents’ evenings. It’s nice to see what people have been up to.”

Alongside teaching, Colin has been a Mini Basketball coach for regional and national under-12s teams, and led the first children’s basketball coaching education course in West Africa.

Colleague and deputy head teacher at Devizes School, Sue Marshall said: “A legend in Wiltshire PE and the world of Basketball, Colin’s legacy is known by the thousands who have come across him over the years. He has been the go-to person for new teachers and has given students a passion for sport and success.

“He may have slightly less hair than he once did but his commitment and dedication to PE in schools has never diminished from the day he first started! I have always been grateful for his expert opinion and supportive ways.

“Members of Devizes School both present and past salute him and wish him well.”

Colin was master of ceremonies at his final sports day last week and was presented with a medal by the current head of PE, Ali Beck, for his services to sports days.

Colin added: “I have immensely enjoyed my time at Devizes School and being a part of the community. Now I will be spending time with my family and young grandchild, and possibly coaching basketball and working as an exam moderator. But first, a long holiday!”