An outstanding wedding for the headteacher of an outstanding school.

IT was a village affair when the headteacher of Payhembury Church of England Primary School was married in the parish church in the run-up to Christmas.

Penny Carvill became Mrs Hammett on December 11 when she married Mark Hammett at St Mary the Virgin Church, Payhembury.

The occasion highlighted the strong bond that has developed between the school and the local community.

The Reverend Cate Edmonds, chairman of the school’s board of governors, conducted the service and primary school pupils formed a surprise choir to sing Mrs Hammett’s favourite song,

Children from school, past pupils and pre-school toddlers lined the steps of St Mary’s, waving flags and blowing bubbles as the happy couple left the church.

At the bottom of the steps, parents served mulled wine and mince pies with the sound of the church bells ringing out.

A reception was then held in Payhembury Parish Hall.

Demonstrating Mrs Hammett’s dedication to duty, she returned to school on the following Monday morning.

She said: “I wanted to share with the children the most wonderful day of my life.”

Payhembury School has been judged Good and Outstanding in OFSTED and SIAS inspections under the guidance of Mrs Hammett.