A farewell event for Keighley College principal Doug Hardaker -- who is retiring after 19 years in the post -- was held at the Arts Factory.

Mr Hardaker is retiring early next month after an extensive career in further and higher education.

Pam Essler, chairman of the college's board of directors, outlined the career path taken by the former industrial chemist.

From his first teaching post at Hull, he moved to London, then to Edinburgh and to the Wirral, before coming to Keighley.

Pam spoke about his many achievements, culminating with a recent glowing inspection report and the renewal of the Investors in People award.

Mr Hardaker has seen annual enrolment at the college soar from below 2,000 when he began, to over 14,000.

Government inspections have put the college among the best in the country.

Guests at the gathering included the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Councillor Richard and Mrs Elizabeth Wightman.

A specially commissioned book, using photographs spanning the past two decades, provided a light-hearted look at Mr Hardaker's time at the college. The longest serving member of staff, Leonard Raine, presented Mr Hardaker with a novelty weather vane made in the welding department.

Mr Hardaker thanked everyone -- those within the college and representatives of external organisations -- for their work and support over the years. He paid special tribute to his wife, Rita, for her patience and support during his time at the college.

And he praised his former and current personal assistants -- Anne Warburton and Liz Wagstaff respectively -- and presented them with flowers.