HALTERWORTH Primary School's headteacher got himself in a spin when a member of his favourite folk group bid him a happy retirement.

Devoted Spinners fan Bob Sprague could not believe his eyes when the group's Mick Groves turned up at the school on Monday morning to bid him a fond farewell on behalf of the teachers and parents.

Every since Bob took over the school's headship nearly 24 years ago he's got the 400 pupils to join in with the Spinners Christmas concert -singing and miming their songs.

"It was marvellous and a total surprise. I was really shocked when I saw Mick. He brought his guitar with him. Generations of children at the school have done the Spinners Christmas concert with me, miming and singing Christmas carols and songs," said Bob who officially retires next week.

Spinner Cliff Hall, who now lives in Australia, sent Bob a farewell message via a letter and a recording together with a programme of the Christmas with the Spinners and a framed photo of himself.

Fellow Spinner Hughie Jones sent Bob a personalised CD of his folk songs and a message.

"This was the best Christmas present I could ever have and a wonderful leaving present. It is something that I will always remember," added 61-year-old Bob, who met another Spinner, Tony Davis, a few years ago.

"Tony came to my house a couple of years ago. He had a job to get in the front door because he's 6ft 7ins, said Bob, adding that he will miss Halterworth School "hugely" and it was like saying goodbye to a big family that he's cared.

Bob and his wife Jill will be moving to a new home at Chandler's Ford next year.

Deputy headteacher Justin Bartlett said: "Christmas with the Spinners has become something of a traditional at Halterworth Primary. Every year for the past 23 years, led by Mr Sprague, the children have enjoyed themselves and miming along to the Spinners' songs. However, this year Mr Sprague himself was in a spin when he received a surprise visit from

Mick Groves. Mr Groves gave an enthusiastic performance in the school hall whilst Mr Sprague and 400 children joined in with their favourite songs. It was a fitting way to mark Mr Sprague's retirement."

Parents Liz Tilt and Jenny Desausmarez and the school's senior learning support assistant, Chris Bailiff, organised Mick's surprise visit.