STAFF, pupils and parents held a surprise party to mark a York headteacher's 20th anniversary in the role.

Sheena Powley clocked up the milestone at Lord Deramore's Primary School in Heslington this week, but was caught unaware by the celebrations.

Mrs Powley, 55, was York's youngest head and the first woman to lead Lord Deramore's when she joined the school in 1996.

She described it as a brilliant school to work in and is looking forward to it moving to new buildings in November.

"It was a complete surprise, I knew nothing about it," said Mrs Powley, of her party.

"The staff had been planning it without me knowing. They were very clever!

"One of my senior leaders came to me and said I think some of the machinery for the new site is getting very close to our building, you better come and have a look.

"She knew that would get my attention straightaway.

"I came outside and found all the pupils, staff and parents waiting for me."

The surprises continued for Mrs Powley, who had a version of Abba's Thankyou for the Music written for her and recorded at nearby Archbishop Holgate's CE Academy.

She also received 20 silly presents to mark her achievement and enjoyed a drama group performance.

Reflecting on her time at Lord Deramore's, Mrs Powley said: "It is a fantastic school and has a wonderful community.

"I have had so many highlights over the years, you would be on the phone for hours."

Mrs Powley said one of the school's strengths was its diverse community.

"We have got 27 nationalities, 15 languages and five faiths and we are very proud of that," she said.

The school's new buildings were financed by the Government's Education Funding Agency and are being built by Kier Construction.

"We are very sad to be leaving our 1856 building, but it's no longer fit for purpose in the 21st century," she said.

The existing school is a listed building and will go back to the ownership of Lord and Lady Mowbray.