A TEACHER whose infectious enthusiasm has inspired generations of children is retiring after 32 years at the same school.John Byer, 57, leaves the Sir Robert Hitcham Primary School at Framlingham at the end of this term.

A TEACHER whose infectious enthusiasm has inspired generations of children is retiring after 32 years at the same school.

John Byer, 57, leaves the Sir Robert Hitcham Primary School at Framlingham at the end of this term.

He intends to spend more time bird-watching and working on his allotment but will also maintain links with the school's sports activities.

Mr Byer is also planning a holiday in New Zealand - a country he has wanted to visit for many years.

Born in London, he did his teacher training at Bognor Regis College and after four years working at Hemel Hempstead he moved to Framlingham, buying a house only 50 yards from the gates of the primary school.

Mr Byer said he had thoroughly enjoyed his years at the school.

“I have always got on well with the pupils and my colleagues and found the work stimulating and rewarding,” he said.

Every year for three decades he has run summer camps for children.

In his younger years he played soccer for Framlingham Town alongside such local legends as Dudley Page, Keith Whatling and Geoff Mayhew.

He was also freshwater secretary for the local angling club for 15 years and captain for 20 years of one of the Conservative Club snooker teams in the Leiston league.