A television producer stepped back in time when he visited his primary school for the first time in 30 years.

Dominic Treadwell Collins, who works on the EastEnders set at the BBC Studios, in Shenley Road, Borehamwood, was the guest speaker at Edge Grove School, in Aldenham.

The 38-year-old went back for speech day and spoke about how the school has evolved in the three decades since he left, and the special bond he has with the school.

He said: “As a child, I was different. But Edge Grove allowed me to be different – and more than any other school in my lifetime, has made me who I am today.

“My years at the school instilled in me a love of learning that took me to study English Literature at Oxford University, creating ways for people to die on Midsomer Murders and then later at EastEnders, telling stories to the nation.”

The children listened with interest as Dominic spoke about the good old days, how he was not good at sports and absolutely hated cross country and wearing the thick woolly socks. He recalled how he always loved English, languages, drama, music and Latin.

He added: “My good manners come from Edge Grove, I still open doors, stand up when a lady comes into the room, stand on the right side of the pavement.

“Now I’m 38 but good manners still make you stand out from the crowd – never forget that. I also learnt independence at Edge Grove, loved boarding – and I would recommend anyone to try it, if they haven’t done so already.

“Edge Grove is the best training for life, savour your time here. I may seem old and it's a cliché, but it really feels like ten minutes ago to me. This is, and was for me, the best school in the world.”

Dominic spent a great deal of his time at Edge Grove in the library, devouring stories and learning to tell stories – including the works of Agatha Christie in a term.

He said his love of telling stories was encouraged by the school and he was soon both appearing in plays and putting them on himself – even hiding in the school stationery cupboard to write plays when he should have been doing cross country.

Ben Evans, headmaster at Edge Grove School said: “It was a real thrill to welcome Dominic as our guest speaker for our Speech Day.