Pupil receives letter from Prime Minister.

23 May 20055

Denaby Main Primary pupil, Luke Gear, age 9, received a surprise at his school assembly, in the form of a letter from the Prime Minister.

Don Valley MP Caroline Flint, who was on hand to present Luke with the letter, said: "During a recent visit to the school one pupil asked if I ever met with Tony Blair. I said yes and asked if any pupil had a question for the Prime Minister. Luke Gear was the first hand in the air. At my next meeting with Tony Blair, I put the question to the PM who wrote to Luke with his answer.

"All credit to Luke for having the confidence to ask a question. I don't think he will ever forget the day he received a letter from Ten Downing Street."

Luke's mum, Amanda Gear, said: "When the Head told me Luke had got a letter from the Prime Minister, I thought she was pulling my leg. I am so proud of Luke today. I have always thought Tony Blair was a people person and the fact that he has taken time out to answer child's question is proof of that."

In the letter, the Prime Minister says: "I was pleased to hear from Caroline Flint about all of the good work being done at Denaby Main Primary. She tells me that last year your school achieved the Basic Skills Quality Mark. Caroline also told me that you and your fellow pupils have a well-attended breakfast club, excellent school dinners and are very smartly turned out!"

The Prime Minister also praised Headteacher Carol Halstead and her staff for their good work.

NOTE TO EDITORS
Luke asked the Prime Minister how many troops we had in Iraq. The Prime Minister replied that the UK had 7,961 servicemen and women in Iraq in March, "doing a very important job on behalf of the people of Iraq."

For more information contact Phil Cole 07973 367869