Oh what a beautiful morning!
The day popular teacher Shawn Cullen walked back into school was one that few had dared hope would ever arrive.
Only four months ago, Shawn, of High Ash Close, Linford, was battling against the odds on a life support machine in Basildon Hospital's intensive care unit after being stricken with deadly meningitis.
Children, parents and teachers at St Mary's Roman Catholic School in Dock Road, Tilbury, said prayers and lit candles, willing him to pull through.
At one point, a group of youngsters gathered by his hospital bed to sing Christmas carols, sparking the first sparks of recognition after the crisis.
Shawn's first day back to school was cause for jubilation in the playground.
He said: "It was a really special day. The children were really warm and pleased to see me - and I was absolutely delighted to see them."
In a class of his own - fully recovered Shawn Cullen is back in school
Picture: DAVE HENDERSON
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article