A CELEBRATION of nearly 750 years of service to children by 36 Devon head teachers has been held by the county's schools chiefs.

It was held for heads who left their schools during the current academic year after a lifetime of service.

Among them were Peter Hicks, who spent 39 years teaching children in Devon and retired as head of Broadclyst Primary.

Yve Baitup retired as head of Whipton Barton Infants in Exeter after 31 years teaching in the county and David Glenny has left Highweek Primary in Newton Abbot after 30 years' service.

Hilary Green, the former head of Southbrook in Exeter, gave 29 years' service to Devon schools.

Malcolm Elliott, from Withycombe Raleigh in Exmouth, and David Barnes from The Castle in Tiverton, have 28 years' service in Devon.

Nigel Hughes, the former head of Montgomery Primary in Exeter, had 26 years' service and Penny Burnside, the former head of Tipton St John Primary, and Pat Anzani, the head of St Nicholas Primary in Exeter, both have 25 years' service while Sue Whiteman from Ugborough Primary spent 24 years in Devon schools.

They were all invited to a special buffet supper in Exeter with colleagues whose combined service totals 744 years.

Executive director of Children and Young People's Services Anne Whiteley, who attended the event, praised their years of service.

Mrs Whiteley told them: "I wanted to acknowledge the years of service you have given to the education of Devon's young people and its communities. You are at the very centre of what we do in giving life chances to our young people and contributing to raising standards of learning and attainment.

"I want to say a very personal thank you for your commitment and professionalism.

"Some of you will have taught several generations of children from the same family."

She added: "I am always struck by the passion our teachers have for learning, their commitment to our children and young people and how they open up their horizons.

"Every one of Devon's 364 schools is unique but every one is committed to raising aspirations and achievement for our young people and ensuring they have the brightest possible future. You have all made a massive contribution to that hugely worthwhile goal."