The principal of Duchy College, Andrew Counsell, has retired after an illustrious career which spanned more than 30 years.

Mr Counsell oversaw the rise of Duchy College Stoke Climsland and Duchy College Rosewarne as top colleges in the UK.

Chief executive and principal of the Cornwall College Group, Raoul Humphreys, said: “Andrew has made an outstanding contribution to the college and the land-based sector during his long career in education and with the group.

"We have enjoyed celebrating his achievements during the course of the last few months with the many friends and partners that Andrew has worked with during his long and illustrious career.

“On a personal note, I will miss his energy, infectious enthusiasm and drive; we have worked together for a long time and I wish him all the best for his retirement. He has left an unparalleled legacy of entrepreneurship and excellence at Duchy College and Bicton College, which the sector will continue to benefit from, for years to come.”

Mr Counsell's career began within the equestrian industry as a rider and in 1979 he moved to Holland to show jump and took up the sport of carriage driving.

In Germany he followed a career in carriage driving, competing and training both nationally and internationally.

After this, he joined Bicton College in 1986, now part of the Cornwall College Group, as a lecturer in equine studies and in 1990 joined Duchy College as head of the equestrian department.

Show jumping, dressage, horse trials and vaulting filled Andrew’s calendar and he became an examiner for Riding for the Disabled, ensuring the RDA was firmly established at the college.

Outside of this he worked with the FEI, the World Governing body of Equestrian sport, as a judge for international carriage driving and has been on the ground jury for the last 12 world championships.

In 1993, Mr Counsell became director of studies, working with the team to develop the higher education provision within the college and in the following year was appointed vice principal of Duchy College. He was chairman of JTP European consortium of Agricultural College from 1995 to 1999. In 2005, he became principal of Duchy College, a post he held until he retirement last month. He now intends to focus on his competitive riding and a host of new and exciting challenges.

Mr Humphreys added: “I will miss his energy, infectious enthusiasm and drive. We worked together for a long time and I wish him all the best for his retirement.

“He has left an unparalleled legacy of entrepreneurship and excellence at Duchy College and Bicton College, which the sector will continue to benefit from, for years to come.”