The retiring head of a primary school says he is bitterly sad to be leaving.

Nigel Powis had to give up his role at St Andrews in Weeley due to health problems, after undergoing an operation last year.

"My heart went bang and I had to have a dissection of the aorta," said the 57-year-old, who was at the school for 23 years.

"I'm bitterly sad that I won't be at the school any more but I'm alive, and that's something.

"Dying in assembly would have upset people!

"I've realised that I've got to listen to what the doctors are saying."

Mr Powis' surgeon has told him that it will take about two years to fully recover from his operation.

"I'm not sure what I'll do with myself, but I think I'll probably spend more time in France - I go to Brittany quite a lot," said the father-of-two.

"I'll really miss the children - they are lovely, bright kids.

"It's not hard to do well in a fantastic school with nice children."

Mr Powis' departure was marked by a leavers' service led by Cannon Peter Hartley.

Acting head, Bogusia Holeszowska, will continue to fill his shoes at the Main Road school.