HE is fondly described at the "The Mad Professor" and the "heart of the school", now retired it is not difficult to see why Fred Tyldesley is so deserving of the The Bolton News' Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his dedication to education and commitment to generations of young learners.

At the age of 22, Mr Tyldesley was appointed as a rural science teachers at White Bank School in Bolton — and that lead on to a career in education that was to become, say those who have worked with him, "more a way of life than an occupation practically 365 days a year for the next 50 years".

He remained at White Bank until the school closed to be replaced by Deane Secondary School in 1970.

Mr Tyldesley, now aged 72, went on to to work there for the next 36-years as a science and horticultural teacher, becoming head of pastoral care, faculty coordinator of maths and science, and finally site manager until the school shut and Ladybridge School opened in 2004.

Highlights of his career included designing and building a farm in school grounds on a limited budget and through fundraising.

Starting off with a single cowshed with two calves, that he had to take home every time it rained until there was enough funds to build a roof, it has now become a fantastic learning resource inhabited by pot-bellied pigs, llamas, donkeys and many more animals.

Colleague Chris Morton, who nominated him for the Bolton College sponsored award, said: "Fred loves to regale about his time as a teacher, one of him many amusing tales was about the the time when the school was visited by a Granada TV film crew and one of his willing helpers was interviewed, when asked what he did on the farm he very keenly replied that he did a lot of mucking out but that he also got to feed the baby goats, it was a bit smelly by he didn't mind because he had got some BRUT 33 for Christmas."

She added: "On a personal level Fred is a kind, good humoured man, 'a people person' who has always gone the extra mile for his colleagues and inspired trust and confidence in his many pupils.

"Fred has alway shown a genuine interest in every pupil as an individual, taking time to encourage them in their aspirations, hobbies and in getting to know their families.

"He can still remember to this day the names of all the students he taught in his very first form group, many of his ex-students are still in touch with him after all theses years — the eldest being 67-years-old and the youngster being a current year eight, who is the proud owner of one of Fred's hates and and the illustrious title of mini-Fred."

Miss Morton added: "Fred continues to speak with great pride about his vocation expressing in his own words: 'Such is human nature I have been extremely fortunate to learn as much from my students this community as they have learnt from me."

Mr Tyldesley, who lives in Hawkshaw, hung up his wellies last year and celebrated his long service with a hog roast

He said: "I have loved what I have done, I have had past pupils congratulate me, including one living in Australia.

"I brought my past pupils with me and my family, including my great niece!

"I was wanted to make 50 years in this career, and did — just."

He added: "I have loved everything about the job, but most of all the people, the pupils, the parents, the staff.

"Apparently 600 people have congratulated me on Facebook, it is has been lovely."

Mr Tyldesley, who brought the house down with his own schoolday memories, told how he was ticked off by Sir Ian McKellen for wearing glasses while performing a Shakespearean play while at Bolton School. He also said how honoured he was to, like Olympian, and Bolton-boy, Jason Kenny, have a building named after, albeit a cow shed!