A popular PE teacher, who has coached Premier League stars, has retired after 42 years of continuous service at Christ's School, Richmond.

Mick Greenwood hung up his boots on Friday, July 17, to end his reign as the school's longest-serving member of staff.

He has taught thousands of pupils over the years and counts coaching footballers including Jason Roberts, Clinton Morrison, Nathan Ellington and Jody Morris among his alumni.

Mr Greenwood said: "It has been a privilege to be part of the lives of so many Richmond students and to think that, for those who pursued a career in sport, I might have influenced their future in some small way is a huge honour.

"During my time at the school, the PE department has gone from strength to strength with teams now competing in sports such as rugby, netball, football, basketball, athletics and cricket at borough, county and in some cases, national level."

He has taught generations of Christ's School students, including the parents of many of the school's current pupils.

During his time at the school, he had seen the school move to its current Queens Road site in the 1970s as well as significant redevelopment in 2000 and the opening of a sixth form centre in 2014.

Helen Dixon, headteacher at Christ's School, said: "During his forty two years, Mr Greenwood has made an outstanding contribution to both the PE department and Christ’s School as a whole.

"On behalf of all of the staff and students at the school, past and present, I would like to thank Mick for his passion, enthusiasm and hard work.

"We wish him a long and happy retirement."