AFTER 35 years nurturing talent at city schools, a well-known music teacher is retiring.

Glenis Cole, of Riverview Close, St John's, has spent the last 20 years as head of music at Bishop Perowne CE High School, and 12 years before that at Christopher Whitehead High School.

Her doctor advised early retirement for the 59-year-old because she was suffering from stress, which means she can spend more time with her husband, John.

"It's very sad in some ways but I've had a wonderful career," she said.

"Lots of my past pupils have become my friends and earlier this week Ken Tyson, the headteacher who was here when I joined 20 years ago, sent me a letter wishing me a happy retirement."

The mother-of-two and grandmother-of-one has more than enough memories to remind her of her teaching days.

"The most moving moment was when my daughter had meningitis just before her A-levels and everyone in the Worcester Schools Music Association pulled together and raised £2,000 for her," she said.

The musician, who still sings in the Worcester Festival Choral Society and plays the piano, violin and clarinet, will have plenty to keep her busy during her retirement.

"My grandson, Jack, is almost three, and my daughter is due to have her second child in September, so I can't wait to look after them," she said.