Richard Smith (57) has retired from Brooksby Melton College after more than 25 years at the helm of the performing arts department taking it from four students to 300 at its peak.

Mr Smith said: "The theatre and all the facilities were just sticks in the ground when we arrived in 1974. But it has just grown and grown. One of the reasons we never left was because it grew so much, I didn't need to move for a promotion.

"They trusted me and allowed me to grow with it and the staff have all been marvellous. I think the college is something Melton should be proud of. I hope, and I'm sure, it continues."

Under Mr Smith's guidance, working alongside his wife Brenda, the college became the first further education centre in Europe to offer a degree course.

Mrs Smith ran the first A-level course in dance in the county and Mr Smith, with two other teachers, established the Btec as a qualification.

The couple saw many successful graduates pass through the halls including Parminder Nagra from American hit ER, and Adrian Scarborough, of Gavin and Stacey fame, as well as many arts managers.

They are moving to Spain where they hope to establish a performing arts centre in the mountains near Granada.