A popular headteacher leaving his job after nine years was given a surprise send-off yesterday (July 15).

Peter Killick at the presentation

An outdoor assembly was held at Ducklington Primary School in honour of Peter Killick, who was given presents and heard songs written specially for the occasion by year six pupils.

Mr Killick, 55, is leaving to work for the county's museum service. He has been teaching for 33 years, and previously worked at Tower Hill School and Queen's Dyke School in Witney.

"Working here has been fantastic," he said. "It's a lovely school with nice children and nice parents, and it's got a fantastic parents' association which has raised a huge amount of money."

Pupils presented him with a model Roman standard-bearer, as he has been teaching students about the Romans, and a tie rack because he is famed for his taste in ties.