A much-admired Ashford teacher and well-known Star Wars fan is flying high after landing a new job.

But Peter Hygate, who might just be Kent’s biggest Star Wars fan, is not going far, far away ... he's only moving 12 miles from Godinton Primary to Stowting Primary, where he will take up his new role after the summer holidays.

The 42-year-old has been at the school in Lockholt Close on the Godinton Park estate for 14 years and has taught every year group.

In 2002 he marched 60 children down to Cineworld to watch the prequel and has helped organise many Star Wars themed summer fairs and charity days at the school.

Mr Hygate said: “I have always felt that children learn best when you make things fun.

“If you are passionate about something then they feed off that. Star Wars plays a big part in my life and so I often integrate it to make lessons fun.

“Leaving Godinton is quite emotional, I’m really going to miss the children and the people I work with.”

Godinton head Jim Holditch paid tribute to the “incredibly supportive” teacher who has taught every class, coached football and athletic teams and ran the quiz night.

Mr Holditch added: “Without fail, he signs every leaving card with, ‘May the force be with you’.”

The school is also saying farewell to Kerry Pearce, who Mr Holditch said will be equally missed.

He added: “Kerry has been our head of lower school and is currently our head of middle school.

“She is leaving to become head of learning at St Nicholas School in New Romney. We wish both her and Peter all the best.”