THE first headteacher of a north Hampshire secondary school celebrated his 100th birthday yesterday.

Maurice Bound was headmaster of The Hurst Secondary Modern School, in Baughurst, for 15 years from when it first opened in 1957.

He spent his birthday with two of his children and will continue the celebrations with a party on Sunday for friends and family at Bishopswood Golf Club.

Mr Bound remembers when what is now The Hurst Community College first opened, describing it as a “real shambles”.

He said: “The building work was still being finished and there was mud everywhere. We didn’t even have a textbook for the first couple of weeks.”

The 100-year-old great-granddad said it was a tough first year at the school, but he had a “most supportive staff”.

“I had a lovely time and I think we got on well with the children – I’m still invited back to reunions.”

Mr Bound believes one of his own childhood teachers inspired him to make a career in education.

He was born and grew up in Southampton before moving to Yorkshire when he was 24, to work in a school in Skipton.

He met his wife, Joan, while living in Yorkshire and they went on to enjoy 64 years of marriage until her death 10 years ago.

Before becoming headmaster at The Hurst, Mr Bound also taught in schools in Lincolnshire and Devon.

He left The Hurst in 1972 to become vice-principal of a Technical College in Nigeria, before returning to the Tadley area a few years later, where he has remained.

Mr Bound still leads a very active life, having enjoyed a holiday in Spain before Christmas. In March, he plans to visit Turkey. He is also involved with his local Methodist Church.

He has four children, six grand-children and eight great-grandchildren. One of his sons is borough Councillor Michael Bound.