An estimated 1,000 people including past and present staff and students said goodbye to a Kingston headteacher during a surprise retirement party.

St Agatha’s Catholic Primary School head Paddy Monk steps down at the end of term after 23 years at the school.

To celebrate his long service, the school threw a surprise party for him on Dinton Field, opposite St Agatha’s, on Saturday.

Students from down the years - some with children of their own at the school - attended the event, with the school estimating about 1,000 well-wishers showed up for Mr Monk.

Mr Monk appeared in Friday's Surrey Comet, after being named Unsung Hero.

Mr Monk, 59, said: "Saturday afternoon has to have been one of the most overwhelming moments of my teaching career.

"To see 23 years’ worth of current and ex pupils and their parents was truly amazing and will be a memory that I savour for a very long time to come."

Kelly Flack, a former St Agatha's student who now works at the school, said: "From being a five year old pupil and having Mr Monk as my headteacher  to now working as one of his staff, he has been an inspiration to me, my family and all of the wider community for 23 years.

"We wish him all the very best in his retirement."