A headteacher who changed the face of his school with his enthusiasm and commitment is retiring.

Earl Ashford

Earl Ashford, known as Duke, is leaving Charlton Primary School, Wantage, after 31 years in the post.

Generations of staff and pupils reunited at the school to say goodbye to him at a series of celebrations.

One of his first achievements was planting trees in the school grounds and ensuring a swimming pool was built within six months.

Over the years, he also helped to create a nature reserve, Millennium garden, new classroom and staffroom, and was often seen on Saturday mornings leading staff or parents in bulb planting or improving play areas.

School secretary Bridget Procter said: "All those at Charlton School, staff and children, will miss Duke enormously. His loyalty and support for the staff has been unfailing and many generations of children have learned so much from him.

"We are sure that he has delayed his retirement to see through as many projects as he can, but are confident he will find plenty of new challenges for his DIY skills and energies.

"We all wish him a very long, happy and busy retirement."

Mr Ashford, 64, also masterminded the purchase of the school minibus, coached football and taught clarinet and recorder. He helped set up the Wantage Area Partnership of Schools (WASPS), which he chaired for a number of years, and organised musical get-togethers for orchestras and choirs and the area swimming gala.

Colleagues, governors and friends from the past and present threw him a surprise party and presented him with a digital camera and tools.