The popular principal of a Hathaway Academy, who stood down from his position recently, gave a leaving speech to his pupils.

James Howarth, who has been battling blood cancer for three years, stood down from Hathaway Academy, Grays, stood down last month after having been the headteacher there for four years.

He made a speech late in 2015, announcing his illness to the students at his school.

Before he finally left the school, Mr Howarth gave another speech to his pupils and the staff at the Academy thanking them for their contribution to his time there.

A motivational speaker, he also took the time to give the students some words of advice.

Quoting Oscar winning actor, Denzel Washington, he said: "Hard work... is what successful people do."

Ms Rodrigues is still Acting Principal at Hathaway Academy.

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