HEADTEACHER Mike Savage said an emotional farewell to his pupils at St John's Primary School in Westhoughton.

They will be joining children from Fourgates Primary at a new school called The Gates when it opens on Manchester Road in October.

Mr Savage -- headteacher at the school for two decades -- wished them the best of luck during assembly on the final day of term.

He will be be forever known as the last in a long line of popular headteachers at St John's, which has served the community for 150 years.

"This is a sad time for all of us at the school," he said. "It's sad for the pupils because St John's will be closing and it's sad for me because I'm about to retire."

Mr Savage, aged 58, has taught hundreds of youngsters since his career began in 1964. He arrived at St John's as headteacher 23 years ago and has now taught some of the children of his former pupils.

He hopes to spend more time with grand-daughter Sally during his retirement and is looking forward to playing a few extra rounds of golf.

St John's is set to merge with Fourgates to form The Gates School, which will accommodate nearly 200 children.

The youngsters at St John's opened their old classrooms to the community earlier this week so former pupils could take one last look around.

They also held a service of thanksgiving led by the Rt Rev Christopher Mayfield, the Bishop of Manchester, to celebrate the school's history.

Mr Savage said: "I've got many good memories of my time at St John's and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here.

"I'm sure lots of local people also have happy memories of the school. But I'm certain the children who go to The Gates will enjoy it there."