He is top of the class as far as his pupils are concerned.

Tom Darlow is off to the United States to teach. And pupils joined in the surprise This Is Your Life send-off.

Mr Darlow, who teaches at Little Clacton's Engaines Primary School, was named top of the teachers for being extra special in the Evening Gazette's Kidzone classroom competition.

The Year Six teacher, who had been at the school for four years, even ran homework clubs for the pupils.

Jamie Everett, who nominated him, said:" Mr Darlow is a terrific teacher and really deserves an award. My mum says he deserves it for putting up with me!"

Mr Darlow, who is going to Boston to teach in September, was met in style by a Cadillac containing his parents, Pat and Cliff, who had travelled from Bedfordshire.

About 30 former colleagues, staff, family and friends attended the surprise at the school with the 35-strong class. The format was just like the TV show and included video clips of him from his old school, and messages.

He was also presented with a framed copy of the Gazette's article to take with him.

Sharon Everett, whose son also nominated him, said the two-hour show was a "complete surprise".

She added: "It was just like the programme. It went very well."

Mrs Everett presented the show along with another mum, Karen Rogers.

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