Two head teachers sharing the corridors of power hope to get on like their comedy namesakes Smith and Jones.

Gary Smith runs Market Field School, which has moved to the former Alderman Blaxill School in Colchester for a year while his school in Elmstead Market is rebuilt.

Phil Jones is head teacher of the Stanway Federation Learning Centre, which is also being run from the former Alderman Blaxill site.

While they hold the same views on education, the irresolvable bone of contention is football.

Mr Smith is a West Ham United fan while Mr Jones supports Aston Villa.

Mr Jones and Mr Smith said they were getting on well - despite their football alliances.

Mr Jones said: "We have similar views, values and beliefs on education and we both want to make a difference in the lives of young people and improve education.”

Alderman Blaxill School closed in July because of falling pupil numbers but is being maintained for educational uses.

Mr Smith said his school's move to its temporary new home had gone well and work to make it a home from home had paid off.

For more on this story, see today's Gazette.