IT turns out the new Lord Mayor of York has a doppelganger.

On his first school visit since taking office, Cllr Keith Orrell, came face to face with a lifesize cardboard cutout of himself and Sheriff, Verna Campbell at St Lawrence’s CE Primary School.

The visit coincided with a whole school curriculum focus on British values. The school has worked hard to develop a creative curriculum which teaches children about democracy, responsibility, equality and values.

Head teacher Helen Coles said “Pupils have been learning about what our values are and what this means in our everyday lives.

"They have been learning about how democracy works and why it is important, as well as understanding how we all work together and everyone has an important part to play in our society.

"The children have become fully involved and shown great enthusiasm for the whole school topic.”

Mrs Campbell, Sheriff of York, led an assembly to introduce the children to the history and heritage of her role. She gave great insight into the aspects of the curriculum the children would be learning by relating it to events that have happened in York.

Supporting Mrs Campbell was her consort for the day, David Thewlis who was head teacher at St Lawrence’s until 2006 when he became the Regional Advisor for the National Strategies.

He said he was delighted to visit his old school as he had many great memories of the children and their families.

Whilst the Civic Party enjoyed a tour of the classrooms they were presented with art work, cards and poems made by the children.

The Rt Honourable, the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Keith Orrell, appeared un-phased by the amount and variety of questions the children asked him. He clearly appreciated the work the children had done in preparing for the visit.

Mrs Coles said she felt incredibly proud of all the children as their behaviour was exemplary.

St Lawrence’s CE is part of Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust, a partnership of church and community schools serving over 3,000 pupils and their families across York.