A FORMER Basingstoke teacher has made a happy return to his old school – and he took the chance to give a lesson in chemical war history to students as he officially opened their refurbished science laboratories.

Former Cranbourne Business and Enterprise College teacher Michael Freemantle did the opening honours at the laboratories before he was given a guided tour of the school, in Wessex Close.

His visit was the first time he had returned to Cranbourne since leaving in 1985, following a six-year stint as a science teacher.

The scientist and historian, who has written a book about the use of chemistry in the First World War, talked to pupils about Germany launching the world’s first weapon of mass destruction using chlorine gas in 1915. He explained how allied soldiers tried to combat the effects.

He said: “It was a great thrill for me to return to the school after so many years. The students who showed me around, and the other students I met were all delightful. I enjoyed chatting with them and also meeting staff.”

He gave a copy of his latest book ‘Gas, Gas, Quick Boys’ to the school.

Louise Long, an assistant head and science teacher at Cranbourne, said: “It was wonderful to see the students so engrossed in his talk. We all learned a great deal about the history of science in the First World War and its importance as a force of both good and bad.

“The students asked a lot of thought-provoking questions and I am sure they will think about both history and science in a different way now.”

Mr Freemantle opened two new science laboratories at the school, which were completely gutted and refurbished with funding from Hampshire County Council.