So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye - a Colchester school had an unusual parting gift for its music teacher.

The 150 pupils from St Mary's Lower School, in London Road, Stanway, put on a surprise rendition of the children's song in the Sound of Music for Jenni Gebhardt, who is moving to pastures new after six years.

In return, she gave the school some equally-unusual presents: eco-friendly lightbulbs, and wacky percussion instruments designed to inspire a love of music in the very young.

Headteacher of St Mary's Lower School, Helen Dudley-Smith, said Mrs Gebhardt, whose speciality is the flute, taught all age groups at Comrie House, and helped the head of department run two orchestras and choirs.

Praising her drive and enthusiasm, she added: "She has been here six years, and in those six years she has packed into it 26 years' worth of music activities, experience and energy. She is a one-woman dynamo."

Mrs Gebhardt, of Earls Colne, will be taking up a new job with St Margaret's School, Gosfield.