A SCHOOL has welcomed 2006 with a fresh batch of pupils and a new headteacher.

Thirty-nine children aged four and over joined the reception class at Hurst Primary School, Dorchester Avenue, Bexley.

Among the new faces was headteacher Tony Linnett, who has taken up the post after 10 years at Edenbridge Primary School, near Sevenoaks.

Mr Linnett, 47, of Shepherd's Lane, Dartford, describes his new post as "coming home" after going to school in Sidcup himself.

He said: "As a parent I believe people want their children to be safe, happy and successful and they want their schooling to be an interesting learning experience for them."

Mr Linnett used to go to St Mary's Grammar School for Boys, Chislehurst Road, Sidcup, which is now St Luke's Catholic Sixth Form College.