A CHEMISTRY teacher went out with a bang as he brought 45 years of teaching to an end.

Tony Branfield welcomed back old pupils to Burnham Grammar School for a farewell as he leaves the school for retirement.

Pupils were treated to one final chemistry show at the Hogfair Lane school on Saturday, and Dr Branfield has said he will miss teaching the students the most.

He said: "I was relieved when it all went off as well as I had hoped - I loved the bangs, crashes and flames - and the school is still standing! It was great to see so many of my ex-pupils here especially so many who went on to study Chemistry.

"I love my subject. I tried to keep it interesting with lots of demonstrations and experiments.

"The whole experience has been really good and helping people achieve to the best of their ability.

"It is something I have not really thought about too much yet but I suspect I will miss it in a few months time.

"I will miss mixing with the teenagers and colleagues - I learn from them as well and I suppose that they keep me young!"

Dr Branfield, 70, went into semi-retirement 10 years ago, and intended to carry on part time for just a few more years but was still enjoying teaching so much that he stayed on.

The father-of-two said: "When I joined BGS a lot of staff were going to comprehensive schools as they said there was no future in grammar schools, but that was 45 years ago.

"I have been very happy here. I have a great regard to the pupils and the staff."

Headteacher Andy Gillespie said the farewell was a "fitting send off for an inspirational teacher", and ex-pupil Shamini Sandanarajah has her career to thank Dr Branfield for.

She said: "I am now in a job I love doing and this is down to Dr Branfield with his stimulating lessons - I owe my career to his inspiration and encouragement."

Dr Branfield is now looking forward to going on holiday during term time, with trips to Riga and Italy planned, and intends to do more bird watching and help with charity School Aid which provides materials to help build schools in Africa.