Hedingham School is pleased to hear that an ex-student has been appointed the executive director of Unicef UK.

Michael Penrose, who left the school in 1991, has previously worked as humanitarian director at Save the Children International, at the Department for International Development (DFID) and at Oxfam.

He has also worked as a consultant to several UN agencies.

Michael said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Unicef UK.

“At a time when so many children’s lives are being torn apart by war, poverty, disease and hunger, the work of Unicef has never been so important and I can’t wait to begin doing my part.”

Michael and his family lived in Ridgewell and then Great Yeldham when he attended Hedingham School.

Michael’s mother Yvonne Penrose, who now lives in Bungay, Suffolk, said, “During his youth I was told at another school that, due to his dyslexia, maybe Michael should consider a job in market gardening.

“Hedingham School never gave up on him and during his years there he was treated with both care and affection despite his somewhat lively behaviour.

“You can see why we feel we have a lot to thank your school for as Hedingham School played a major part in forging Michael’s future life decisions.”