A HEADTEACHER was kidnapped by his pupils and put in the stocks as part of celebrations marking the launch of their new pirate ship.

Friends of Hunwick Primary School raised £3,500 to buy a new pirate ship and train play equipment for the school’s junior playground.

To celebrate their official installation, a pirate themed fun day was held with the highlight being headteacher Stuart Joyce taken captive by the children.

Speaking after his release, Mr Joyce said: “They kidnapped me and put me in the stocks before throwing wet sponges at me.

“I was feeling it a bit afterwards but it was a fun day with a great turn out from the community.”

The Friends of the school raised the money through various fairs and sales.

Mr Joyce said: “We have a very tight knit community here in Hunwick and once again the support for the school has been outstanding.”

The school’s council chose the play equipment and plans are now being drawn up for more sports equipment to be placed in the senior playground.

Mr Joyce said the new ship and train had proved a big success with the school’s 170 pupils.

The head said: “The equipment has more than lived up to expectation and is proving very popular with the children.”