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Conor Stokes gets down to business

Schoolboy Conor Stokes ruled the roost after winning the chance to be headteacher for the day.

The eight-year-old threw out head Tony McAteer from his office at St Joseph's Primary School, Malmesbury, on Friday after his parents bid £121 for the privilege at an auction of promises.

The auction was held on March 15 to raise funds to carry out repairs to the playground and the evening drummed up £7,071.

The prizes varied from holidays to cakes and Conor beat several of his classmates in the race to win a day as the headteacher.

He turned up for his new job on time, smartly dressed and quickly began barking orders.

Mr McAteer was evicted from his office and his student took to the phones.

Conor said: "One of the first things I did was ask Mrs Pearce (the school administrator) to fetch me a banana from town. All I had for lunch was that and a chocolate bar.

"Sometimes the teachers have interfered but they usually just let me get on.

"I had to deal with two pupils and one of them I asked to stand outside my office door because I was busy.

"My friends think it has been great and I do too.

"I have had to take a few orders at times but they were fine. I am thinking about being a head teacher now when I grow up.

"It's not really that hard but it was really good fun.

"I do hate the punishment part though but I haven't done anything too mean. If I was too mean they would all hate me on Monday when I am normal again."

Mr McAteer said he has enjoyed taking a back seat role for the day.

"We tried to make it as real as possible for him. He was signing forms and giving orders and he had a fantastic day." he said.

"He is a fantastic little character and the perfect candidate for the job.

"He has made a few personal phone calls and he has thanked the teachers and lunchtime supervisors for all their hard work.

"It could very easily go to his head and I wouldn't like to be here if he was in charge for a whole week.

The highlight was sending out our admin officer to get him a banana. I wouldn't dare ask her to fetch me anything.

"His classmates are bit envious but it has all been taken in good spirits."

Mr McAteer says he won't be giving up his day job just yet but is pleased so much was raised for the playground, which will be revamped over the summer holidays.

8:04am Thursday 3rd April 2008

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