A man who has spent over a decade volunteering at a school he attended as an A-level student has been rewarded for his service.

David Hatchett, 38, recently finished a 12-year stint as a governor of Leyton Sixth Form College, Essex Road, Leyton.

The teacher who grew up in Chesterfield Road, Leyton started volunteering in schools in Waltham Forest and Hackney at the age of 19 and got hooked.

He said: "I initially wanted to give something back to the local community and college that prepared me so well for my university studies and future career in teaching and education, although I think the college drew the shorter straw - getting 12 years of me for my two years of them.”

"It's been very rewarding to see my old sixth form college improve and consistently gain good endorsements from Ofsted inspections, better results for students and better facilities.

“I'm delighted that the core of what drew me to the college back in the 90s firmly remains at the heart of its work - an unrelenting focus on the pastoral and academic needs of the individual student.”

Mr Hatchett has served on an NHS mental health trust board, worked with youth offenders in east London and was a games maker at the London Olympics in 2012.

Although being a school governor comes with its challenges, Mr Hatchett said he has enjoyed working alongside “selfless” volunteers to serve the younger generation.

After starting his teaching career at Barclay Primary School, Leyton, Mr Hatchett now holds a senior role with a national multi-academy trust in central London.

His service to the Leyton Sixth Form College was formally recognised with the presentation of a piece of art work depicting the college buildings, presented by art students, the principal and vice principal.