SCHOOLCHILDREN hit the right note when they set out to celebrate the 30-year career of one of their teachers.

Pupils at St Hild’s College CE (Aided) Primary School, in Renny’s Lane, Gilesgate, Durham, staged a surprise concert to mark the three decades of service of acting deputy head Marie Hann.

The children worked with educational music organisation POP UK to perform songs linked to the values of Church of England schools.

They spent three days learning the songs then, in addition to performing them at the concert, had them recorded professionally by POP UK to produce a CD which was dedicated to Mrs Hann.

Mrs Hann said: “It does not feel like thirty years because every day is different and the children are a delight.

“I knew the concert was happening but had no idea that it was a celebration for me. It was such a surprise, absolutely awesome.”

Acting head teacher Alex Ryder said: “We thank her for all her enthusiasm, professionalism, dedication and brilliant sense of humour. Every parent knows how lucky their child is when they are taught by her."

Previous colleagues, pupils, friends and family joined Mrs Hann at the concert.

Between the songs, children shared poems, prayers and stories, including a retelling of how Mrs Hann met her husband, who was the school postman when she first started at St Hild’s.