CHILDREN at Hanbury First School spent an evening 'custard pieing' their teachers and competing against their head in a row-off, ahead of his team's performance in the World Masters Rowing Championships.

The family hoedown, organised by the School Road parent teacher association, featured a bouncy castle, face-painting, mocktails and circus skills, as pupils turned out to show their support.

Headteacher Andrew Payne will be competing alongside his teammates at Worcester Rowing Club in the worldwide contest on Slovenia's Lake Bled this September.

School secretary Claire Parmley told the Advertiser: "The children are all very excited about Mr Payne taking part in the world championships. They loved having a go on the rowing machine and they're excited to see how he gets on later this year."

An avid sport competitor, Mr Payne is keen to share his passion with Hanbury students.

He said: "As part of our ethos at Hanbury we celebrate pupil’s achievements weekly, including sporting successes. I hope I will be able to use my experience in sport to further inspire our pupils.

"We should be encouraging all our children to find a sport they enjoy and teach them the benefits and opportunity sport will give to them - at the very least a happy healthy lifestyle or, at the very best, the next Olympic or world champion."