A Sidcup primary school held a surprise street party to say goodbye and mark the retirement of their much loved headteacher John Murphy.

Mr Murphy, 65, has been at Our Lady of The Rosary Catholic Primary School, in Holbeach Gardens, for 26 years, but has been in education system for 44.

The farewell party was organised by Sara O’Grady, chairman of the school’s Parent’s Association.

Mr Murphy told News Shopper: "The party was kept very quiet from me.

"I was asked to come out to the playground at ten past four and was absolutely shocked at what was there."

"There were fun fair rides, a professional singer, a slush puppy machine, a magician, a choir, and a cake with the school tie on it, which was cut up and given to everybody.

"However, the best part was the Irish dancers, who held up a sign at the end saying 'We will miss you Mr Murphy’."

"I am very grateful to Sara and the rest of the Parents’ Association."

Mrs O’Grady added: "Everyone had fun. We didn’t know what to expect.

"The party attracted pupils both past and present. There was a great turnout and it was just a really lovely day."

"He was completely overwhelmed by it all."