THE former headteacher of a Darlington school made a return visit yesterday to be honoured for his work.

Ken Hodge took early retirement from Heathfield Primary School in summer, having taught there for more than 30 years.

But both pupils and parents wanted the opportunity to say an official farewell and, as a result, an assembly was held at which Mr Hodge was presented with a picture of the North Yorkshire village of Staithes.

He joined Heathfield in 1973 and became headteacher in 1984, remaining in charge of the school for 19 years.