BISHAM School head teacher Jim Cooke has celebrated 20 years at the helm of the school with former pupils and teachers.

The New Zealander is credited with saving the school from closure when he took up residence as the headmaster in 1985. And he has turned it around to be one of the leading schools in the area.

At a special party on Friday, July 8, chairman of the school's governors, Russell Jones said: "When Mr Cooke joined there were around 64 pupils and 20 or 30 of them were due to leave that year.

"The school had a very low attendance roll and it looked as if it might be in danger of closing. It now has 123 pupils and one of the best reputations in the county."

More than 100 guests, including Maidenhead's Conservative MP Theresa May, filled a room in the Compleat Angler, in Marlow for a surprise party in Mr Cooke's honour.

The guests enjoyed free canapes and champagne compliments of the hotel and Mr Cooke was treated to a This is Your Life style presentation, then presented with a commemorative scroll.

Mr Cooke has set in place a series of improvements including the construction of a multi-purpose hall, changing rooms, a staff room and school office, toilets and cloakroom and garden and also developed a new outdoor play area incorporating a pirate ship called River Rat.

Exam results have also improved.

Deputy head Donna Goodwin said: "Jim is a fun loving sport-mad New Zealander.

"He loves his rugby and a good laugh.

"He is very fair and will always go out of his way to ensure that he has done the most for you that he possibly can.

"He is a genuinely nice man and we look forward to many more years under his leadership and care."