A TEACHER who stepped back into the classroom after retiring could be the oldest in the county. 

Eric Jones thought he would never teach again after bidding farewell to his classroom 21 years ago.

But now, at 82, the Evesham resident travels across multiple schools in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire to teach classrooms full of students on various subjects.

Evesham Journal: Eric and his wife, Viv at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party.Eric and his wife, Viv at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party. (Image: Eric Jones)The substitute teacher was born in 1941 and said he lived the first few years of his life at risk of getting bombed during World War Two. 

"I have met teachers who say I'm crazy and people at my church say, 'why don't you just enjoy your retirement'," Mr Jones said.

"Many teachers ask why, and I always have to say because I love it."

He had first decided to return to the classroom after seeing an advert in a newspaper asking if retired teachers could fill in the gap of absences after Covid.

Evesham Journal: Eric signing the first copy of his own book in 2021.Eric signing the first copy of his own book in 2021. (Image: Eric Jones)He has been teaching ever since.

"I still do what retired people do, like go on holiday and read a book, but I also do what many retired people don't do, and that is going back to work.

"I am 82, and I do not go running up the staircases like I did when I was younger, but I still go around the school.

"I love teaching teenagers, and I think, in a way, they keep me young.

Evesham Journal: Eric and former Mayor Evesham Sue Amor at a charity fundraiser.Eric and former Mayor Evesham Sue Amor at a charity fundraiser. (Image: Eric Jones)"I feel like I don't want to retire - I love it." 

Since he initially retired and moved to Evesham, Mr Jones has also worked across multiple youth groups in Evesham and Pershore and directed pantomimes at Number 8.

He said this, in total, equated to 55 years of working alongside young people either in the classroom or through volunteer work.

Mr Jones started his career at The Archbishop Michael Ramsey School in London, working his way up to deputy head teacher.

He had built an impressive portfolio, including organising the Royal Youth Gala at The Royal Albert Hall and directing Shakespeare shows at the Globe Theatre.