A RETIRED postman was made an honourable graduate during his latest visit to the school he founded.

Ron Cavie, of Prestatyn, flew to Kenya to spend a month at St Ronnie’s Academy, based in the village of Shanzu, a suburb of Mombasa.

During his visit, the school held a graduation day for children from class KG (Kindergarten) two to class one.

Ron, who is in his 60s, was made an honourable graduate of St Ronnie’s,during the day, which as attended by 300 parents and children. The dad to Martin, Julie and Rachel and granddad to Joshua, also attended a wedding during his stay.

Ron said: “The graduation involved so much work beforehand. I presented the prizes with headteacher Lilian (Lilly) Pendo and the other teachers.

“After the ceremony, it was time to eat and what a task the meal was. We had pilau rice, spices and meat plus lots of soda. It was a day I will never forget. When I stood there, I remembered the first day we opened. We only had eight pupils in January 2014 with one classroom.

“I knew nothing about being made an honourable graduate until all the children started shouting ‘Ronnie’ and I was called into school to put on my cap and gown. It was a huge surprise.”

“I also attended a wedding during my stay, which was amazing. The only snag was it went on for about seven hours. When we arrived at the village, the children were dancing and singing the ladies were banging drums and dancing.”

Ron has spent years tirelessly fundraising and transforming the construction, which started life as a derelict building.

“We have 153 pupils at the moment and eight classrooms. It means the world to me that we have achieved so much, thanks to the wonderful support of the people of North Wales. It has progressed beyond on my wildest dreams.”