FORMER pupils have praised a popular history teacher after he retired from a Worcester school after more than three decades.

As we previously reported, Allan ‘Jenky’ Jenkinson, 64, has taught at Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College for 36 years, and retired on Tuesday.

After our story, former pupils flocked to leave messages of goodwill for the teacher.

Charles Martel said: “I wish Sir a happy retirement. He ignited my interest in history and it was always a pleasure being in his class.”

Another of Mr Jenkinson’s ex pupils, Becky Poole, who now works at the school, said: “He was a fabulous teacher and over the last year I’ve had the pleasure of being his colleague too. He ignited a love of history and inspired me to be a teacher.”

An emotional Mr Jenkinson said of the comments: “I’m absolutely speechless. Worcester to me is like a small village just like Bilston in the Black Country where I was born. I’ve always strived to engage pupils and treat them with respect and my Christian outlook has helped me during my teaching career.

“The job isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon and I always urged the trainees to get that work-life balance correct.

“There is far more pressure nowadays with increased inspections and more paperwork.”