A MATHS legend has finally retired from teaching... at the incredible age of 87.

Bob Pennifold has left the classroom behind after almost four decades behind the desk, retiring from Tendring Technology College.

He started out at Colbayns in Clacton before moving on to the technology college’s Frinton campus.

Even now, he would prefer to be returning with the pupils in September, but the school’s tight budget has forced him into retirement.

Bob said: “It’s a very sad day for me. I have always loved going to work as a teacher.

“I’m going to miss it very much and teaching the youngsters really kept me feeling alive.

“I have a lot to be grateful for and a lot to be proud of.”

Bob is famous among former pupils for his unorthodox teaching methods, using everything from magic tricks to card games to help youngsters learn.

His love of magic tricks rubbed off on nephew Sean Gandini, who became a world-renowned juggler after getting hooked on the art – thanks to his uncle.

Bob added: “I have always used whatever methods worked. I would always find a way to make sure the students learned.

“No-one would get away with using my techniques now, but I still used them.”

Teaching was Bob’s third career after leaving school as a teenager. He joined the Royal Navy as a 16-year-old to join his three older brothers, which took him to Japan immediately after the Hiroshima bombing.

After leaving the service, he became a policeman, working his way up to sergeant before retiring from the force in 1973.

He retrained as a teacher – and never looked back.

Bob said he would now spend more time volunteering at St Helena Hospice to fill his days.

College maths leader Richard Blanes said he would be a huge loss to the department.

“He is truly an amazing man and I hope one day to scratch the surface of all that he has achieved,” he said.

“I am extremely lucky to count Bob as a dear friend and it has been my honour to have worked with him these past 12 years.

“Perhaps the greatest loss to our department will be his laughter, which can be heard throughout our building whenever he is here.

“I can only hope I can be like him at 87 years old. He is my hero and a legend to those who know him.”