Pupils gave their headteacher an emotional send-off when he retired after 27 years in his job.

But although David Iles has left Richard de Clare Primary School in Halstead, he will continue working with other schools across the county.

Mr Iles, who lives in Halstead with wife Sue, will be working with the Family and School Together team (FAST), which includes Ramsey College, Hedingham School, Honywood Community Science School and 19 primaries.

He will also manage the family services team, which he helped set up 20 years ago.