Leading by example was the order of the day at Highlands Primary School where the headteacher took assemblies, met parents and held meetings while wearing a rather silly hat.

Kulvarn Atwal, headteacher of the school in Highlands Gardens, Ilford raised £150 alone with his unusual headwear taking the school’s total up to more than £500.

Children helped raise money on Friday of last week by creating their own designs for red noses which they wore all day..

Liz Payne, from the school, said: “We had lots of entries and with brilliant designs. Mr Atwal entered into the spirit of the day and didn’t take the hat off at all!”