STUDENTS and teachers past and present gathered at The Chase Technology College Malvern this week, for the Geraldine Road school's annual speech day.

The event was the first for new headmaster Kevin Peck, who shared the platform with governors, past teachers and former pupil Jon Wilks, the guest speaker.

Mr Wilks, originally from Callow End, attended the school from 1979 to 1986, and is now a top diplomat working in London.

Specialising in the Middle East, his position has seen him travel to Egypt, Sudan, South Africa, Kuwait and Afghanistan.

His most recent appointment is as a cabinet advisor on Iraq.

"The fact I'm here, I almost have to thank Saddam Hussein as he hasn't caused a pre-Christmas campaign," he joked, before outlining his message to the students of today.

"I was one of those people who had no idea what they wanted to do. We shouldn't be too worried about not having a firm plan. It's important to focus on what you are doing at the time," he said.

Mr Peck, who took over the headship from David Fawbert in September, looked back at the achievements of students over the past year. Those achievements covered sport, music, travel and more.

Declining to take credit for the school's successes to date, Mr Peck paid tribute to his predecessor.

"Along with his remarkable deputy, Aydin Onac, and assisted by a strong and supportive governing body, David developed something truly special in state education here at the Chase," he said.

"I shall be doing all I can in future to maintain and where possible extend this proud record."