THE head of a Worcestershire school is aiming to complete a mediaeval pilgrimage as he looks forward to retirement.

Michael Krier, headteacher at Pershore High School, hopes to walk to St James of Compostella in northern Spain next year.

The six-week trek is one of the many things on 59-year-old Mr Krier's list as he finishes his career at the Station Road school after 12 years in charge.

"I've got a long list of things I want to catch up on, all the things I haven't been doing," he said.

"I'm going to have a rest. I've bought an old farmhouse, which I'm trying to restore, and I've a garden to get back into order.

"The pilgrimage route is from the south of France and I hope to do that next year."

Mr Krier said goodbye to staff and pupils at the school yesterday with an array of special assemblies and a staff lunch.

"I will miss the pupils the most," he said. "It's not awards or status that counts, it's seeing young people fulfilling their aspirations. We've got a lot of talented young people here.

"I'm very proud of establishing a calm and purposeful atmosphere with the spirit of the staff."

Mr Krier was presented with a bench made by teacher Huw Evans and Year 10 students to mark his time at the school.

"It's a beautiful bench and will have pride of place in my garden," he said.

He will be succeeded by deputy head Clive Corbett in September.

"I'm very confident Clive will do a super job," said Mr Krier.

"It's good to have a deputy who has contributed so much to the school who can now take charge.''