A Royal Navy lieutenant returned to his former school in Bushey this afternoon for the first time since 1978.

Tony Jackson visited Bushey Meads School, in Coldharbour Lane, to speak to students about his experiences in the armed forces and his subsequent MBE.

As well as giving a talk about career options in the Royal Navy to a group of interested students, Lieutenant Jackson addressed the whole school during an assembly.

On returning to his former school 32 years after he left, he said: “It is good coming back. I have seen some changes but there are still one or two things I recognise. My memories are of being with my friends.

“I suppose it makes me think I perhaps should have done a bit better in school. I joined the Royal Navy as soon as I left and it has been great for me but hopefully I have got across to the kids that it is important to do well academically too.”

Lieutenant Jackson began his career in the Royal Navy as a chef.

He made his way up the ranks and, earlier this year, made the New Year's honours list for his services to service personnel and services to Royal Navy families.

After 32 years in the armed forces, during which time he has seen 26 per cent of the world's countries, Lieutenant Jackson is now stationed at the Britannia Royal Naval College, training new service personnel.