OLD Chigwellian and former Shadow Minister Tim Collins presented awards at Chigwell School's annual speech day.

The former Conservative MP, who lost his Lake District seat at the last general election, attended the school between 1975 and 1982 and returned to present a number of awards for academic and sporting achievement in the last school year.

Deputy headmaster David Gower said: "Mr Collins spoke with warmth and humour about the need for pupils today to be prepared for the unexpected and to cultivate hope for the future.

"He came across to all as a likeable politician who thinks clearly about matters he cares about whilst retaining his humanity.

"He is a good role model for our pupils. We were very pleased that he was able to come and speak to us and wish him all the very best in his future career."

Mr Collins, whose mother Di is an Epping Forest district councillor and chairman of Epping Forest Primary Care Trust, shared stories from his time at the school during the end-of- term celebration.