David Williams, 70, served as a governor at Chaucer Primary School for 26 years.

During that time he worked with three head teachers – John Nutter, Tim Gill and current head Peter Gerrish.

Mr Williams, of Roundway, Larkholme, came into the post with first hand experience of school life – he was at the time a science teacher at St George’s High School in Marton, Blackpool.

He said: “I was invited to join the governors by John Nutter, who was a personal friend.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement because helping a school ‘behind the scenes’ is a wonderful way of serving the community.

“These days we have teacher-governors, parent-governors and staff-governors. To have them on board is, in my opinion, a very good move because they are all very much involved in the school in different ways.”

Despite his lengthy service David did not want any fuss upon his retirement and there was not a big presentation at the school. His tenure as a school governor officially ends on August 31.

The grandfather, who is also a press officer with the Fleetwood Music and Arts Festival and sings with Fleetwood and District Choral Society, added: “Chaucer has gone from strength to strength.”