To thank him for his time, skills and dedication, the popular principal of Peterborough College of Adult Education (PCAE) was given a retirement bash to remember.

More than 140 colleagues and friends, along with past and present pupils, joined Dr Winton for a festive retirement lunch at the college, in Brook Street.

Dr Winton, who retired aged 60 after 18 years at the college, eight of those spent as principal, was given a TV-style "big red book"send-off to mark his life and achievements, along with entertainment from his colleagues with their own PCAE'S Got Talent show.

Dr Winton said: "Throughout my time at the college, the one thing that has made it really enjoyable and worthwhile is the people.

"People come here for all sorts of reasons – to form friendships, as well as learning."

Dr Winton has spent the majority of his working life in education, including stints in a comprehensive school in Birmingham and a college of education in Warwickshire.

He went to Nottingham University to study history, and then became a teacher.

He later gained a PhD in history from Birmingham University

Dr Winton has overseen many changes in the college, from the development of the '20s school buildings, through to a shift in funding and an increase in the number of students the college welcomes through its doors – in 1990 it was about 4,000 people a year and now it has grown to about 14,000.

He was given a brick dating from the 17th century as a retirement present, because he loves archaeology and history, as well as a £300 donation to East Anglia's Children's Hospices.

Mr Winton added: "The college has been a great place to work, and I will miss it."

Chief executive of Peterborough City Council Gillian Beasley said: "Graham has been such a professional colleague of mine for the past six years.

"His passion for adult learning and the college was evident to me from the beginning of our professional relationship.

"He made me a strong and committed supporter of the college and, as such, skillfully manoeuvred me into supporting college events, often by being a keynote speaker at award ceremonies, or other important conferences.

"The college is a place I always enjoy visiting, and I saw it go from strength to strengh under Graham's leadership.

"I would like to wish Graham a long and happy retirement, and thank him personally for the enormous contribution he has made to life-long learning in the city."

Dr Winton will remain in Peterborough, and said he was looking forward to travelling, reading and writing his book, on the subject of British Army horses during the First World War. He also plans to spend some time in South Africa.

Former deputy principal David Roxburgh will take over as prinicpal in the new year.