Teacher Peter Foakes has finally blown the whistle on a 34-year career at one school.

Mr Foakes, a former Premiership referee, started at Colbayns High School, Clacton, as a maths and PE teacher, in 1968.

At that time it was Pathfields. He went on to become head of PE, director of studies, and head of upper school.

Mr Foakes rose to assistant headteacher and was deputy head when full-time arrived at the end of term. He is now moving to the Manningtree School to return to the classroom as a maths teacher.

"I had 34 very good years at Colbayns and it was very hard to leave," he said.

"It was very sad on my last day but I am now looking forward to a new challenge and going back to where I started."

Mr Foakes takes up his new post on January 7. He is married with two sons and two daughters and lives in Kirby.

Mr Foakes enjoyed eight years as a Football League referee plus two more running the line, followed by two years in the Premier League.

He also refereed in Europe and took charge of an FA Cup sixth round tie between Tottenham and Notts County in 1991.

His final match came at Wembley when he was in the middle for the first division play-off final between Bolton and Reading. He went on to become a referee's assessor.

Published Friday December 28, 2001