Olly: kids Dun me proud

Dunning Primary’s P7 leavers got a big surprise when singersongwriter Olly Murs sent a video message, wishing them well with their transition to high school in Auchterarder.

The pop star from Essex saw his career take off in 2009 when he came second in ‘The X Factor’.

Dunning P6/7 teacher Sara Campbell had changed the words of his pop song ‘Dear Darlin’ to ‘Dear Dunning’ for the children to sing at their end-of-year celebration of success.

At Friday’s morning assembly the 12 outgoing P7 pupils sang the popular Murs song with the new lyrics in tribute to their time at Dunning Primary.

Then Mrs Campbell asked them to turn around and watch the projection screen. Instead of the montage of class memories they expected to see, Olly Murs was wishing them every success for the future, calling the kids “legendary” and even blowing them a kiss.

Mrs Campbell said: “Many of the youngsters were speechless. It was a secret from everyone but me and the headteacher.

“They wanted to know how it happened. It was an amazing moment.”

Mrs Campbell tracked down the pop star’s email and sent a message a few months back, explaining what she had done with his song.

“This is not something I’ve ever done before,” she said.

“After weeks of hearing nothing Olly Murs got back to me just a week ago.

“It was my birthday and I was totally delighted he’d agreed to address the transition students at Dunning.

“He just sent in this 20-second video, wishing them well and saying how much he liked their take on his song.

“He blew this big kiss at the end. It was priceless.”