LABOUR MP Jonathan Ashworth took a trip back in time as he visited his old high school in Whitefield.

The party's deputy chair went to St Philip's high school with Bury South MP Ivan Lewis to visit the pupils and pass on his regards to outgoing head Chris Trees, who is retiring after 31 years.

After a tour of the building, Mr Ashworth, who is also MP for Leicester South, chatted to current pupils about what it is like to be a politician and admired a board featuring the names of head boys and girls that have served at the school — including his own, dated 1994.

Mr Trees said: "Jonathan was in my English group and I taught him history before that. He was still at the school as I took up the role of acting head. Jonathan did remarkably well there. He was very clever but also very popular. He was quite seriously minded with an interest in current affairs — as you would expect for someone who went on to be a politician."

Mr Trees has been doing the top job at Philips High School in Higher Lane, Whitefield, for 21 years and was deputy headteacher there for 10 years before that – so remembers Mr Ashworth as a pupil very well.

Now aged 66, the father of four has decided to hand over the reins to Tina Owen, the current deputy headteacher at Parrenthorn High School in Whitefield.

Mr Trees said: "It was wonderful to welcome Jonathan back to St Philips. He seemed to really enjoy himself, and I think he was particularly pleased to see his name on the board which mentions the head boys and head girls who have served at the school.

"He met with some of the school council who were asking about life as an MP. He was very honest about his role, saying it is hard work and lots of responsibility. It was lovely to see him again just before I retire."