A FILM star from a classic British movie “blew in” to a Bolton school for a surprise Christmas visit.

Diane Poole, who starred in Whistle Down The Wind, caused gasps of astonishment and delight when she met the children at High Lawn Primary and Nursery School.

Key Stage Two pupils at the Holden Avenue school had been enjoying the film as a Christmas treat and were amazed when their visitor was revealed as the very girl they had just been watching on screen.

Heather Cardwell, KS2 phase leader, said: “Diane is a friend of one of our members of staff so we thought it would be a nice idea to give the children a surprise.”

Diane, who still lives in the village of Downham where the 1961 film was made, said: “I was watching the children instead of the film. It was lovely to see their reactions to it, they had a real emotional response.”

She added: “It was a nice feeling knowing that the film appeals to a whole new generation.”

And the children were further impressed when Diane mentioned that the producer of the film — Richard Attenborough — had played the inventor of Jurassic Park and Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street!

After the screening, Diane was happy to answer dozens of questions from her curious new fans.

She also extended her visit to sign autographs and pose for photographs with the children.

Miss Cardwell said: ”It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one that I’m sure the children will remember for years to come.”