A FLASH mob ensured retiring headteacher Catherine Fenton was given a memorable send off.

More than 400 children and every member of staff at Church Road Primary School in Smithills surprised Mrs Fenton with a rendition of one of favourite songs, Proud by Heather Small.

Mrs Fenton, who is retiring after 33-years, said: “The flash mob was a complete surprise. I had no idea it was going to happen. I was called to the playground to sort out a fight — I thought that was a bit unusual and I was thinking it was bad luck to have a fight in my last week. When I got outside, it was heart-warming to see the children gathered around. We are a great singing school and the children proved that once again in the playground.”

The school had been rehearsing in secrecy and did a run through when Mrs Fenton was out of school one day.

Joshua Sudding, aged 10, said: “I thought it was very fun and active for everyone. It was quite hard to keep quiet because we had to keep practising without Mrs Fenton seeing us. When we were doing the dance Mrs Fenton kept on waving and dancing around with us. Mrs Fenton looked like she was happy and had a big smile on her face.”

Ajla Frmic, aged 10, said: “I thought the dance was really interesting. It was a bit hard to keep it a secret but somehow we did. I felt happy and sad at the same time and I think Mrs Fenton felt it too. She was crying but mostly surprised when she saw the whole school out on the playground. It went great but my favourite part was seeing Mrs Fenton’s face.”

Mrs Fenton began her career in Harrogate. She moved to Bolton in 1987 to start work at St Mary’s RC Primary School, Deane, before going to work at Gilnow Primary School.

She became deputy headteacher at Brownlow Fold before becoming headteacher at Heathfield Primary School, which she said she ‘loved’. She said: “I have enjoyed a fabulous 10 years at Church Road School. The school is a brilliant supportive family with everyone working hard to give children their chance to shine. It has been a real privilege to work with such a brilliant team.

“I count myself very lucky to have been able to work with such lovely people and have such a rewarding career. I am excited about what the future will bring. A new adventure awaits.

“I will miss all my lovely colleagues and the families at Church Road school but I have plans to travel —with and without the caravan — and to spend time on my hobbies more knitting, more sewing and more jigsaws.

“ Most of all I will love spending more time with my grandson.”