Gary Barlow surprises teachers leaving Lobley Hill Primary School

Nicola Burton and Catherine White were stunned to meet Gary Barlow

Take That singer Gary Barlow has made a surprise appearance at a Tyneside school to help staff and pupils say farewell to two teachers.

Nicola Burton and Catherine White are leaving Lobley Hill Primary School in Gateshead after a combined 20 years.

The school launched a social media campaign to persuade the singer and former X Factor judge to "drop in".

He was greeted with a rendition of Sing, the song he penned for the Queen's Jubilee in 2012.

Gary Barlow said he was impressed with the school's online campaign

The school launched a #getgarytolobley campaign to coincide with Take That's appearance at the Metro Radio Arena on Friday.

The singer said: "I've had a lot of campaigns this year because of all the weddings we've been doing, but this one in particular has been exceptional.

"It's been a long campaign but today I hope it has been worth it for everyone."

A school spokeswoman said everyone had been "totally blown away" by the star's visit.