Sixties singing sensation Sandie Shaw returned to Dagenham to inspire pupils at her former secondary school.

The Eurovision winner is Robert Clack’s most famous ex-student, racking up chart successes with Long Live Love and Puppet on a String.

The singer was among alumni working in a variety of careers to return to the school for weekly skills for life sessions.

The five week programme focused on different careers and helped advise pupils on how to prepare for a successful future.

Visitors included civil servants, beauty students, city workers, engineers and even an ex-pupil who now lives in America.

Sarah Golan, skills for life co-ordinator said: “It’s incredible to have ex-students with such a variety of careers willing to give up their time because it can help inspire the current students and have a massive impact on them.”