Pupils became clones of their head teacher when they marked his last day at his school in an unusual way.Children and staff at the Fakenham Infant and Nursery School dressed in suits, waistcoats and smart ties and became “Mr Dale” for the day as they said a fond farewell to Douglas Dale on his last day after six years at the helm of the Norwich Road school.

Pupils became clones of their head teacher when they marked his last day at his school in an unusual way.

Children and staff at the Fakenham Infant and Nursery School dressed in suits, waistcoats and smart ties and became “Mr Dale” for the day as they said a fond farewell to Douglas Dale on his last day after six years at the helm of the Norwich Road school.

Mr Dale is to take up a new role working for the education service going into schools in Norfolk where, for various reasons, a school is without a head. His first school will be Castle Acre Primary school after the Easter holiday.

Although he is looking forward to the challenge and excitement of his new role, Mr Dale said he will miss the children and staff at Fakenham.

“Today, seeing the pupils and staff dressed as Mr Dale was a total surprise. They turned the tables on me and became clones of myself to get their own back because I don't usually take part in the various dressing up theme days we sometimes have,” said Mr Dale.

He added : “I have mixed feelings about leaving because this has been a very good and happy school. He was presented with a variety of gifts and cards. His deputy, Carol Wood, will be acting head until a permanent replacement is found.

Mr Dale, who has been in teaching for 19 years and was previously head of Fakenham Junior school, has recently seen the completion of a purpose-built children's centre adjacent to the school buildings.

Mr Dale, lives with his wife, Susan and daughter, Charlotte at Foulsham.