A head teacher who helped turn around a primary school in Heysham is set to retire after 34 years in education.
Paul Slater will leave Trumacar Nursery and Community Primary School at the end of this term, after 16 years at the school.
Mr Slater arrived at Trumacar in 2010 as it was about to be put into special measures.
He leaves with the school's latest Ofsted report having rated it as good, and outstanding in behaviour and attitudes.
Mr Slater began his career in education in 1992, at a primary school in Northamptonshire, moving on to other schools in Cambridgeshire.
His first head teacher's role was at Clifton Primary School in St Annes.
Mr Slater arrived at Trumacar in 2010, taking the headship officially in January 2012.
While at Trumacar he also ran North Walney school in Barrow-in-Furness and was CEO of the Queen Katherine School multi-educational trust.
Mr Slater was honoured with a Silver award for Head Teacher of the Year at the National Teaching Awards in 2019.
Paul Slater with the award
He said Trumacar's success was down to making education enjoyable for children, and also due to the hard work of the entire school community.
"They have been so supportive, to help get the school where it needed to be," Mr Slater said, to Beyond Radio this week.
"If children don't like coming to school, they won't learn. That's been my philosophy, and I treat them as my family - the kids, the staff, the governors and other members of the community."
A keen fell walker, Mr Slater said he was also a "great believer in using the outdoors" and has inspired many schoolchildren to walk up the Old Man of Coniston.
Paul Slater with children walking in the fells
"If we keep our minds and bodies active, that will improve education," he said.
Mr Slater's final day will be December 31 and he will be replaced as head by Duncan Webster, previously of Willow Lane school in Lancaster.
"I've devoted 34 years of my life to education and as a head teacher you don't switch off," said Mr Slater, 57.
"It's a wonderful school, everybody is superb, and when it comes around, I will be sad to go.
"But it's time to hand on the reins to somebody a bit younger and put my time into my family, and think about what I want to do next."
Former and current pupils, parents, governors, staff and friends are invited to the school hall to celebrate Mr Slater's 16 years of headship, on Tuesday December 15, from 3.30pm to 7pm.
People are invited to enjoy an evening of memories, photographs and refreshments.
Police appeal after reports of youths setting off fireworks on Morecambe promenade
Firefighters tackle house fire at Cockerham
Appeal to trace rider of e-bike after vehicle seized in Carnforth
Public toilets closed amid cost-cutting at Lancaster shopping centre
Man accused of stealing joints of meat at Lancaster Asda by hiding them in his trousers
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Spectacular display of 12,000 poppies unveiled at Lancaster landmark
Eden Project Morecambe boss gives update on early stages of work on new £100m attraction
Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth Remembrance services announced
Road closures for pre-Tour de France work announced for Lancaster district
Lancaster rock guitarist braves beard shave for charity
Two arrests made after post office robbery in Lancaster
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform concert for schools at Morecambe Winter Gardens
PHOTOS: Plans go in for major Lancaster regeneration scheme
Lancaster music venue's heartfelt message ahead of final night on New Year's Eve
Morecambe school named among one of England's most improved for attendance
Lancaster hospital nursing boss appointed to University of Cumbria honorary role
Morecambe Football Club placed under another embargo by the National League
£1.5m Lancaster scheme to boost water quality in River Lune is complete
Family pays tribute to Lancaster pensioner who died in road crash
Popular artist's print of Morecambe Bay Academy to be launched at alumni evening
