STUDENTS at Chiseldon Primary School gave a special goodbye to their headteacher yesterday who had been at the school for 18 years.

John Dickens turned up for his last day yesterday dressed in a tuxedo and was brought to tears on several occasions during a special assembly held by the pupils.

Staff and pupils were also seen shedding a tear as they thanked a teacher who had seen more than 3,000 students pass through the school during his time.

Pupils sang a number of songs to start the assembly including I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles, the famous tune of Mr Dickens’ beloved football team West Ham United.

Mr Dickens was then put in the hot seat as he was asked a series of questions about his time at the school in a Who Wants To Be a Millionaire style quiz, where he revealed that he would like to be a continental bus driver when he retires.

The pupils then handed over cards from each year group, in which they wrote their best memories of Mr Dickens, including when he fell asleep on a mini bus on a school trip.

Outside of the school he had also appeared on The Wheel of Fortune TV show and volunteered at the Olympic Games. He is set to go on a belated honeymoon to Canada with his wife, who he married this year.

Mr Dickens said: “I was head at Mountford Manor when it was a junior school and this was a natural step.

“I am secondary school trained but have always taught at primary school because I love to see the children grow from when they join at four all the way through to 11.

“I am a great believer in fate and I had lots of interviews before I got this job but I think it was meant to be.

“I have taught well over 3,000 children since I have been here and seeing all those children develop and become members of society is really special for me.

“I have a great relationship with all the staff and parents and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the school.

“I know the school will continue to do well because of the team here and the students are great.”

Mr Dickens will head to St Peters School for the final term of the year when he returns from Canada and hopes to stay in teaching.