A SPECIAL song written by pupils marked the retirement of one of West Somerset's longest serving headteachers. Colin Riley first joined Minehead First School in 1973 and has been at the helm for the past 25 years. And after admitting that it was the contact with the children that he would miss the most, it was fitting that the last day of his career included performances and sketches by pupils. In addition, Mr Riley was put through his paces in a unique Mastermind-style quiz to test his knowledge on the school, which insiders revealed resulted in a few wrong answers. But a song written in his honour highlighted his particular talents, not least his height, fluffy grey beard and his love of football. The composers, all pupils in teacher Laura Sansom- Garnell's class, also singled out their head's ability for storytelling, his propensity for handing out 'star cards' and his friendship. Staff and governors at the school clubbed together to raise money for a digital camera for Mr Riley, while the children presented him with a painting of the school by a local artist. A barn dance at the rugby club also ensured he received a suitable send-off into retirement. Chairman of governors Toby Harrison said: "Mr Riley has made a significant and sustained contribution to the education of hundreds and hundreds of children over the years. "He has provided the excellent leadership that has made it possible for children from a wide range of backgrounds and with a wide range of abilities to make an excellent start to their formal education." Mr Riley's successor is Brenda Coupe, who comes to Minehead from a school in Surrey and will take up her new role in September. Mr Riley is pictured (front left) with teacher Ros Owen, who has retired after 20 years at the school. Also pictured, from left at the back, are teachers Claire Owen, Laura Sansom-Garnell and Laura Pickles and teaching assistant Lisa Lothian who are all moving on to pastures new. Photo: Steve Guscott.
