A DESIGN and technology teacher who has brought through three generations of pupils at a Newport secondary school is putting away his tools after 40 years of service.

Mark Johnston, 61, joined the former Hartridge High School as a trainee teacher in 1976 and went on to become the head of the school’s design and technology department.

With the school having been renamed Llanwern High School and moved to a new building in 2012, Mr Johnston has seen many changes over the years.

He said one thing that has not changed since 1976 is the kids’ personalities, with Mr Johnston having even taught the parents and grandparents of some of the pupils on his books this year.

“The kids are still the same,” he said. “That’s the one thing that’s been the constant. It’s always been a satisfying profession as far as I’m concerned.

“The school’s moving up so it’s been great to be a part of that. It’s a success story and I’ve hung on to their coattails.

“I’m handing over to the next era and I’m sure they’ll keep it going.”

One of Mr Johnston’s colleagues, Richard Parcell, 49, a design and technology teacher at the school for 14 years, said Mr Johnston will be missed for his stories and sense of humour.

“He’s a bit of a legend really because he’s been here a lot longer than most people in the school,” he said.

“I think he’s very organised and methodical so he does things a certain way and always does them that way.

“I think it’s more his approach and his organisation skills really in how he talks with the department and gets everything working every day he’s here. He keeps a diary which is like a work of art.”