LEGENDARY literary characters have been painted by a retiring teacher to spark pupils’ imaginations.

Derek Jones retired from Manningtree High School at the end of summer, but was commissioned by the English department to conjure up some artwork to accompany this year’s topics of study.

The paintings that adorn walls around the school and which Derek has been labouring over for the past year show modern depictions of characters in some of the most notable works of literature.

Steve Duffy, head of English at the school, said: “We deliberately chose great works of literature which have modern versions to accompany them.

“For example, our Macbeth is Michael Fassbender, who plays the lead role in the new Hollywood version of Macbeth.

“We are also studying one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic Sherlock Holmes mysteries, and our Holmes and Watson are Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.”

Derek was head of art and religious education and had worked at the school for five years.

He said: “I had a lovely reaction going back in, and lots of positive feedback.

“The school is a wonderful place. I always enjoyed my time there and I felt respected. They interacted with me not just as a teacher, but as an artist.

“The children used to joke I was the only person in Manningtree High School who is allowed to graffiti.”