A high-flying former RAF chief has been appointed as chairman of governors at one of the country's oldest independent schools.

Retired Air Commodore John Maas, who served in the airforce for more than 35 years, now heads the board at King's School in Rochester where he was once a pupil.

His distinguished military career has involved various operational and strategic roles around the world and earned him a CBE from the late monarch.

Currently, he is an independent aerospace consultant and senior lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University.

He attended King's from 1972 to 1980 during which time he met his wife Penny who was one of the first girls to join the school.

John said: "Returning to Rochester and to the school that set my foundation for adulthood brings back many happy memories for both me and my wife.

"King's really did provide for 'Halycon Days' and was a fantastic springboard for our chosen careers.

"I look forward to supporting both the governing body and the principal as we set a long-term strategy for the school.

"Our goal is clear: to ensure that King's continues to thrive and deliver academic and co-curricular excellence to the benefit of all pupils, so they can leave King's in the certain knowledge they are well prepared for future challenges in an ever-changing world."

Ben Charles, principal, added: "We are delighted to welcome John as our new chair of governors.

"This starts an exciting new chapter for the school and I am confident that John will bring his considerable expertise, enthusiasm, leadership skills and rigour to the role to ensure all our strategic ambitions are realised.

"As an OR (Old Roffensian), John is deeply invested in the success of the school and the governing body and senior management team are looking forward to working closely with him.

"As we welcome John, I would also like to thank The Very Reverend Dr Philip Hesketh, Dean of Rochester Cathedral, who has been our acting chair, for his exceptional support during this transition period and for the time he has given to the school during the rigorous recruitment process to find his successor."