A teacher who worked at a Watford secondary for nearly 40 years has retired.

Anthony Taylor who taught history to year 7 to year 13 pupils at Francis Combe Academy for 39 years celebrated his retirement with a party for past and present students.

Colleagues said Mr Taylor’s achievements will leave a lasting legacy, seeing his subject as a means of giving pupils a sense of identity no matter what their personal background and equipping them with a global perspective.

Colleague Nish Sabur said: “You can pick any class that Anthony has taught and nearly every single one of these students will say how much they love history lessons.

“In addition, in the corridors he makes an effort to speak to students and greet them, asking them how their day is going and taking the time to see if they are ok. These little things make a difference in children’s lives.

“Anthony is part of that generation of teachers who see teaching not as a job, but a calling. He treats the profession with responsibility, dedication and a sense of duty. He gets involved with every aspect of school life.

“During my time here, I have seen the rise of the History Department and the driving force has been Anthony Taylor. Yes we all played a part, but without him we would not be as popular as we are today.

“On behalf of all the staff and thousands of students you have helped over the years – thank you Anthony Taylor.”

Last Friday, staff and pupils of Francis Combe from years passed gathered to pay tribute to Mr Taylor’s career.

Stories were shared of how Mr Taylor shaped their school years with his involvement in trips, camping, music as well as their academic studies.

As a leaving present, Mr Taylor asked for all donations to go to Wayne’s Fund Charity – a Watford charity which raises money to buy defibrillators for schools.

Mr Taylor, who was saved by the defibrillator the charity had provided Francis Combe, is doing a cycle for them today after which he will present the fund with a cheque – including the £500 raised at his leaving party.