HAVING spent a career in education, a former headteacher of The Vyne Community School is set to return to where it all started.

In 1964, Richard Tanner began his journey in education in a northern province of Zambia at the Mungwi Technical High School.

After returning to England, the 76-year-old continued to support the school through donations and sponsoring 20 students.

However, after working with Zambia Scholarship Fund (ZSF) to funnel Mr Tanner’s money to sponsor students, the North Waltham resident asked if there was anywhere else his money could be used and was shocked by the feedback.

Mr Tanner said: “I asked the people at the Zambia Scholarship Fund to come back to me with a list of what I can help with, but I didn’t expect it to be so extensive.

“Basically, the school hasn’t had any major maintenance for 50 years and it has gone into complete disrepair.

“When speaking to the people at the fund, they needed a replacement of the collapsed sewer at the school as top of its list.”

During his time at the school Mr Tanner went from running a department and becoming boarding master to helping setting up a school farm and much more for the area.

Now, Mr Tanner has set up a crowdfunding page to raise funds to support the school and will return to Zambia for the first time in 50 years.

He added: “I am excited about going back, but also a little bit worried about what I might find. I have fond memories of the school.

“I am still really enthusiastic about education and I want everyone to get the best standard of education.

“When I arrive, I will meet the boys I am sponsoring, give them gifts and meet with the headteacher to discuss how we can help and make a difference.

“I want to tell the students what the school was like 50 years ago and educate them about their history.”

Mr Tanner will make the journey to Zambia on May 8 and aims to raise £1,000 which will be put towards £3,000 needed for facilities at the boarding school.

To donate, go to gofundme.com/tanner039s-mungwi-school-fund.