PUPILS at Wiveliscombe Primary School have adopted an unusual approach to find a new head teacher – by beaming a video on the internet. (Scroll down to view)

Four pupils – Ollie Whiting, Rhona Love, Louis Welch and Evelyn Cherry – got together to create the short film as they seek a replacement for Tony Halstead, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

It has been uploaded to video sharing website YouTube in the hope of reaching a big audience.

Chair of governors Julian Mellor, who produced it with the children, said: “It was part of wanting to do something more creative and show what the school is all about.

“We thought it could attract somebody a bit different and reach a wider audience rather than the traditional advert in a job bulletin page.”

The four-minute film, created with the help of Wiveliscombe children’s author Ally Kennen, opens with the retirement of head of 17 years Mr Halstead and all sad to see him go.

Next day new head Mr Stern Boots arrives, banning playtime and laughter and making the pupils eat gruel.

One of the children, Ella, decides something must be done and discovers Stern Boots’ evil plan to sell the school and his weakness – laughter. She gets everyone to laugh at him in assembly, causing a huge explosion.

The children then decide what sort of new head they would really like and, with the help of the Rapping Fairy, their dream comes true.

Mr Mellor added: “The film has been brilliant for the school; the children said it was one of the best days they have had at school so it has been fantastic in that respect.

“Whether it will attract a star candidate we’re not so sure but hopefully we can get a head teacher who shares the same values as the school.”