Former Heckmondwike Grammar head Tom Riddles celebrates 90th birthday bash

The eight Year 10 students made the day of retired headteacher Tom Riddles, while keeping to social distancing rules as Kirklees remained in lockdown.

Mr Riddles, headmaster at the school between 1970 and 1989, was non the wiser the youngsters were coming.

School spokesman Mrs Jodie Dunn said: “The visit was a complete surprise for Mr Riddles.

"It really made his day.”

Arranged by former school deputy head Mr Keith Wilson, Mr Riddles was asked to wrap up and go out on his driveway.

The 90-year-old got a big surprise when current head teacher Mr Peter Roberts and music teacher Miss Lucy Sutcliffe appeared with the students.

Mr Roberts - a student at the school when Mr Riddles was head - presented him with a commemorative plaque marking his length of service.

The students then sang Happy Birthday followed by A Wonderful World, the song made famous by Louis Armstrong.

During his teaching days, Mr Riddles taught mathematics, which was followed by a 19-year stint as head of the grammar school.

His interest in tennis and badminton led to the floor of the school’s Swann Hall being decorated with court lines that still remain visible today.

He stepped down as head in 1989, but maintained his interest in the school and served as a governor until 2016.

The school are planning a further long-lasting tribute to Mr Riddles when they name the library The Riddles Library in his honour.

During the visit Mr Roberts showed Mr Riddles the sign which will be erected outside the library.

It is hoped to invite Mr Riddles to the school to officially open the library though no date has yet been fixed.