BETWEEN them, they have taught youngsters for nearly 70 years.

Now, three of the south's longest serving senior teachers are hanging up their mortar boards and retiring at the end of this term.

Mike Graveling, 58, is leaving Otterbourne Primary School near Winchester after 21 years service. He said: "I will miss the terrific kids,

the supportive staff, and the good community

spirit."

Deputy head teacher at Southampton's Townhill Park School for 22 years, Richard Cole has also put away his last blackboard rubber.

The 55-year-old is taking up a new venture, promoting his self-penned sketches and assembly material. He is also becoming a Link Tutor, supporting trainee teachers at the University of Winchester.

Richard said: "I will always remember the child who comes back to the school and is now, for example a shop manager. It makes you glad that you didn't give up on them."

After 33 years in the education industry, the principal of Southampton's Taunton's College, Jenny Fitton, is ending her career in the city where it all began.

Since her first teaching post at Regents Park School, Southampton, she has held positions in Suffolk, Norfolk and most recently at Brockenhurst College, before returning to Southampton in 1997. Jenny, 54, said: "I have mixed feelings about going. It's been an absolute privilege to work here and I will miss the students in particular - that's what we're all here for."