A special assembly was held at Sprites Primary Academy in Ipswich yesterday as the school says farewell to its headteacher.

Shaun Valentine has led the school for eleven years through a time of massive change.

At a farewell assembly yesterday morning pupils read out poems they had written and presented Mr Valentine with a picture of the Sprites magnolia tree made up of all the finger prints of the children and staff.

The children also gave Mr Valentine a book of memories.

A spokeswoman for the school said: “The children, staff, parents and Governors would like to say a heartfelt thank you for the dedication he has shown in supporting the learning of the pupils at Sprites. He has always put the children’s learning and well-being first in everything he has done.”

Mr Valentine is leaving the school to take up a headship in Bury St Edmunds.