SCHOOL'S out forever for four teachers who have clocked up an incredible 153 years in the classroom.

The long-serving staff members say they have mixed feelings about leaving St Columba's High in Gourock as they retire from the profession.

Three out of the four were also pupils at the school.

Maths teacher Eileen Henderson studied there and has spent her entire 38-year teaching career at St Columba's.

She said: "It will be a bit of a culture shock.

"I will miss my colleagues and the kids.

"It's a nice atmosphere at St Columba's and I've really enjoyed working here."

Eileen, who is married to former director of education Albert Henderson, says she is looking forward to travelling more and has her sights set on Australia.

She is also thinking about doing a university course.

Celaine Mallon, 61, has taught economics at the school for 24 years and has been teaching for 40 years in total.

She said: "I have mixed emotions.

"I will miss the staff and kids, but I won't miss the curriculum for excellence!

"It's a really good department and it's not divided into boy/girl anymore so that's been a good change over the years.

"Many pupils who have left the school have gone on to be chefs in senior positions.

"I feel proud of that."

Celaine is married to Jack and they have four children and three grandchildren.

She is looking forward to spending more time with her family and enjoying lunches with friends.

Also bowing out is colleague Elaine MacArthur , who started teaching business studies and ICT at St Columba's in 1984 and has had a career spanning 43 years in total.

Mum-of-one Elaine, 64, said: "When I started we worked with typewriters - there have been a lot of changes.

"I love my job, every teaching job has variety, a different mix of pupils in front of you at every period.

"I've been teaching longer and before some of the current staff were born.

"It's a great career and very rewarding.

"I will miss the friendliness of staff and pupils - it's a very welcoming school."

Yvonne Beck, 54, is stepping down through ill health after 30 years at the school and 32 years as a teacher.

She was principal teacher of guidance and taught English.

Yvonne unfortunately suffered an injury on a work-related skiing course and this has affected her mobility.

She lives in Greenock with her husband Stephen, a former teacher, and they have a son Nathan who is currently studying at Edinburgh University.

Yvonne, who plans a break in Florida, said: "I will miss the children and my friends at St Columba's."

Pictured, back to front are Elaine, Celaine, Yvonne and Eileen