Trendy headteacher Alan Roach surprised an ex pupil - by appearing on national television to get his hair cut.

Mr Roach, of Chalvedon School, in Wickford Avenue, Pitsea, found fame on Channel 4 cult show The Salon. He appeared on the Big Brother-type show to surprise Carina, 19, who is starring as a junior stylist in the real-life salon, in London.

The stylist was overwhelmed by the visit.

As Adee Phelan, of Strangeways hair salon, in Leigh, cut Mr Roach's locks, he asked what kind of pupil Carina had been.

Mr Roach revealed she had been late for school on a regular basis during her GCSE exams but had never been into his office in trouble.

He said: "Everyone always thinks they were naughty at school but really most of them are fine. At least Carina had something about her."

Published Thursday, April 17, 2003

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