A surprise send-off saw former teachers and pupils gathering at Boskenwyn Primary School to mark the departure of headteacher Drew Corser.

Staff had organised a Cornish-themed open day, which saw the pupils baking scones to then sell as part of cream teas later in the afternoon.

They also made flags and bunting, and told Cornish legends and stories.

Among the invited guests was Will Coleman, a storyteller who went to college with Mr Corser. On this occasion he played the pipes to entertain the guests.

Mr Corser was presented with surprise gifts including a bench with plants and trees. The school brass band gave a performance, while the younger children sang songs.

Following the open day Mr Corser, who has been headteacher at Boskenwyn for 17 years, sent a message to the school to say he was “overwhelmed” with the whole event, adding he thought it was “fantastic” and loved his presents.

Assistant headteacher Debbie Lister said: “We wish him well with his future.”

Mr Corser, who does not class it as retirement but instead going into the next chapter of his life, plans to continue mentoring trainee teachers studying with Plymouth University.

He became a teacher himself after travelling in Africa for a year and then studying biochemistry and later geography at Worcester College, Oxford University, before qualifying at the University of St Mark and St John (often referred to as Marjon) in Plymouth. He then worked in schools in Oxfordshire, Portugal and Cornwall, taking up the post at Boskenwyn in 1996.

Boskenwyn will now be overseen by Paula Quinney, who is already headteacher at Germoe Primary School and will share her time between both schools.