CHILDREN and staff at The Grove Primary School in Malvern have said a fond farewell to headteacher Tony Vater.

Mr Vater had been at the Grove for nine years, and was previously head of its former junior school.

Students performed a special “showcase” of song and dance yesterday to wish him well for his retirement.

Chair of governors Avril Williams said Mr Vater had made a real impact during his time as head.

“He worked hard to make a difference and succeeded in achieving an ‘up and coming’ school,” she said. “In 2007 the infants and junior Schools amalgamated forming Grove Primary, which was awarded a ‘good’ Ofsted result in 2009 under his leadership.

“He will be missed by staff, governors, parents and pupils alike.”