CHILDREN got a n-ice surprise when they were rewarded with a tasty treat in the sunshine after finishing their SATs tests.

The Year Six youngsters at St Gregory’s RC Primary School in Farnworth were greeted by a Mr Whippy ice cream van as they headed outdoors yesterday afternoon.

The delicious ice creams, topped off with flakes and sprinkles, were organised by the school’s newly established Parents and Teachers Association as a huge ‘well done’ for their hard work.

Shane McKee, a member of St Gregory’s PTA, said: “The children loved it. As soon as they came out, they were screaming at the ice cream van.

“The ice creams didn’t last long. They completely ran out.

“The Key Stage 2 SATs finished on Thursday so Friday was a day to relax.

“As a PTA, we wanted to acknowledge that the Year Sixes have worked very hard this week, and we thought that ice creams would be a special reward.”

A total of 31 pupils at St Gregory’s took their SATs tests between Monday and Thursday, including reading, grammar, spelling and punctuation, and maths.

Year Six class teacher Naomi Cassidy said: “It was a really well deserved treat for them all. They have worked so hard, not just this week but all year — we are really proud of them.”

“We have been celebrating the royal wedding as well so it all tied in nicely.”

Mr Whippy’s visit coincided with the school’s royal wedding celebrations. Pupils in St Gregory’s in Presto Street, dressed down for a day of activities yesterday, including dress making and an afternoon tea party.

The ice cream van was the first of several events that the PTA hopes to organise, including movie nights and a summer fair.

The PTA was set up in June last year and currently has 14 members, but invites other parents and teachers to join them.