An 'extremely hard-working' deputy head who has spent more than three decades at a Norfolk school has marked his retirement.

Eastern Daily Press: A drawing of Litcham School deputy headteacher John Mellor by colleague Linda Timblin. Mr Mellor is retiring after 32 years at the school. Picture: Litcham SchoolA drawing of Litcham School deputy headteacher John Mellor by colleague Linda Timblin. Mr Mellor is retiring after 32 years at the school. Picture: Litcham School (Image: Archant)

John Mellor joined the Litcham School in 1986 as head of music, but moved into ICT before being appointed deputy headteacher in 1996 and acting headteacher in 2003.

Headteacher Rob Martlew said whatever Mr Mellor turned his hand to, he did with 'real professionalism, expertise and good humour'.

'The quality of the relationships that he has built with colleagues, pupils, parents, the community and the wide range of external people that we work with is something that I have admired since my arrival at the school,' he said.

'It has been a real privilege to have John as my deputy,' he said. 'I have been impressed by his loyalty and commitment to the school. He is extremely hard working, spending many hours on ensuring that he delivers his responsibilities. The educational world is always changing but throughout, John has been a real constant and he has made an invaluable contribution.'

Current and former colleagues met earlier this month to mark his retirement, with teacher Linda Timblin drawing a picture of Mr Mellor as a farewell gift.

In his resignation letter, Mr Mellor said, having only expected to spend five or six years at the school, he'd 'never accounted for the Litcham factor'.

'The school would not have achieved what it has without John's contribution and I couldn't have wished for a better colleague,' Mr Martlew added.