A POPULAR principal was given a swansong to remember after transforming the fortunes of a primary school over the past 20-years.

Catherine Thompson, principal of West Park Academy, Darlington, is retiring after working in the profession for 40 years.

The whole school turned out to wish Mrs Thompson a fond farewell with a pop music concert.

Sunderland-born and bred, Mrs Thompson taught at schools in Gateshead, Sunderland, Hartlepool and Pittington, before becoming head at Alderman Leach Junior School in Darlington, which later became West Park Academy.

The 480-pupil school is ranked in the top ten per cent in the country and Ms Thompson’s successor is Samantha Hirst.