STAFF from a school's art department want to thank a mystery caller who arrived at the school with gifts, but refused to leave his name.

The well-spoken visitor left six illustrated books covering medieval, early-Christian, Islamic, Renaissance, oriental and Sikh art at the reception of Sunnydale Comprehensive School, Shildon, on Monday.

The elderly man, who wished to remain anonymous, said he had no further use for the books and wanted to give them to someone who would value them.

The school's head of art and design, Frank Hudson, said: "We are extremely grateful for the donation of these valuable books and we will certainly be able to put them to good use.

"They will be particularly helpful in assisting GCSE art students in their research.''

The gift of the books follows a recent donation of professional video recording and editing equipment which students are already putting to good use.