THREE respected and well-liked members of staff retired from Tavistock College last week.

Marice Russell and Phil Harbottle have clocked up 56 years of service between them.

Marice was a pupil at the college and returned as a teacher in 1986. She has fulfilled a range of roles, teaching physics, science, technology, electronics and photography.

A spokesperson for the school said: 'She will be remembered primarily though as a former head of house and wonderful head of year.

'Hundreds of Tavistock children will regard her with great warmth and affection for the support she provided for them.

'She has remained a true professional to the end by steering the Key Stage 5 engineering group to first prize in a recent regional competition.'

Phil Harbottle has also retired after 30 years' service. He also taught a range of subjects, including computer studies and A-level economics.

The spokesperson said: 'He is an excellent teacher of maths and many sixth form students have gone on to careers in maths, including university lecturers, heads of maths, engineers and physicists. He will be sorely missed by the students and colleagues.'

Rosemary Culverhouse is retiring after 20 years' as a special needs teacher and has also taught maths for a number of years Over recent years one of her responsibilities was overseeing the English as an additional language programme; supporting a number of students whose first language was not English.

Rosie is a former deputy head of year and deputy head of Tremayne House and was a dedicated member of the pastoral team. She recently organised the college's special examination arrangements.

'She has supported our young people to help them achieve their qualifications and will be missed by both students and colleagues,' said the spokesperson.