A DYSERTH teacher who is retiring later this year after 30 years in the profession was celebrated at a special event at 10 Downing Street. 

Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies nominated Ysgol Hiraddug teacher Andrew Loftus to attend the Local Community Education Champions reception at 10 Downing Street, along with his wife Sharron. 

Mr Loftus was recognised by the MP and the Minister of State for Schools, Damian Hinds MP, for his significant contributions to education.

Commenting after the reception, Mr Davies said: “We are extremely fortunate here in the Vale of Clwyd to have some excellent teachers and Andrew is certainly up there with the best. When I was asked to nominate someone to attend this reception, he was an easy choice.

“He has been a teacher for over 30 years within North Wales, with the last 20 years at Ysgol Hiraddug Primary School in Dyserth. He will be retiring later this year and I thought attending this reception would be a good way to mark and celebrate his notable dedication to education in the area over such a significant period of time. 

“It was a real pleasure to spend time with him and his lovely wife Sharron, both at the reception and, earlier in the day, in Parliament.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank him once again for his committed service to education in North Wales and I wish him a long and happy retirement - he will be sorely missed by pupils, parents and his fellow colleagues.” 

Mr Loftus said: “I was delighted to receive the invitation from James to attend the Community Education Champions Event. It was an amazing experience to be in 10 Downing Street and such an honour to be able to conclude my career by attending an event that recognises and thanks the contributions we make in Education.

“I thank James for inviting us and showing us around Parliament and Downing Street. It gave us such an insight into the work that he does for the Vale of Clwyd.”

Commenting on his upcoming retirement, he said:  “I have been fortunate to teach across all the age groups at the school, and it has been a pleasure to see the children progress from Foundation to the end of their Primary School Years.

“Having made the decision to retire from teaching this month, I will miss the team spirit of my colleagues and the satisfaction of seeing the children grow in confidence.”

Minister of State for Schools, Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP said: “It was wonderful to meet so many brilliant teachers from across the country at Downing Street last week. Andrew is a real champion in the Vale of Clwyd, and it was a real pleasure to celebrate his vital work alongside Dr James Davies MP.”