STUDENTS at Hathaway Academy, in Grays, surprised their headteacher with a signed Bath rugby shirt.

James Howarth, who took over as head of the academy, in Hathaway Road, last year, had to step down in June after being diagnosed with blood cancer.

Students organised for a rugby shirt, which they signed, to be sent to Mr Howarth, who is battling lymphoma.

Two students from each tutor group signed the shirt, including the head boy and head girl.

It was then framed and sent to the teacher, who was extremely touched by the gesture.

In a message to the students on Facebook, Mr Howarth wrote: “It brought a tear to my eye.”

“I miss being at the Hathaway and being involved in the everyday improvement. I cannot wait to return and see you all.”

Head boy, Luke Potts, said: “We decided to do something to showMr Howarth we were thinking of him. We knew he liked rugby, as he used to play. So we found out his favourite team was Bath and we decided to get a Bath rugby shirt.”

Head girl, Danielle Chegwidden, added: “We wanted to show Mr Howarth we miss him and wish him a speedy recovery.”

The framed shirt has been sent back to the school and is on show.