THERE were emotional scenes as a former Thurrock student returned to the school that shaped his life to open a classroom named in his honour.

Samuel Turner attended Treetops School in Grays between 2006 and 2016 before leaving Thurrock when his parents Jacky and Barry moved to Carmarthenshire in Wales on their retirement in 2019.

However, he has continued to support the school as a fundraiser and he has given its staff full credit for what he has accomplished as he has completed a number of remarkable and award winning achievements.

Thurrock Nub News featured Samuel ahead of his return to Treetops and was on hand on Friday (4 October) when he brought members of staff to tears as they paid tribute to him.

Returning to the school with his mother, he was given an emotional welcome, before delivering a speech as he cut the ribbon on the classroom in the recently opened Free School on the Treetops campus.

Freeschool head Anthony Hattam said the visit was 'an absolute joy' and he paid tribute to the achievements of Samuel, who he remembered as a small boy.

"He has gone on to do so much, he is inspirational and he is fully deserving of the recognition. We are delighted to have him back and to honour him and celebrate all that he has done, not just for himself but for so many other people,".

Samuel with Freeschool head Anthony Hattam.

Class teacher Gary Warren welcomes Samuel back.

Samuel with fellow Friends of Treetops and trustees Charlotte Davies and Lisa Akinjayeju.

Raising a glass in tribute: Deputy head Tom Smith, Pre-Formal pathway supervisor Suzie Eaton, Treetops head Jon Brewer and class teacher Garry Warren.