SCHOOLGIRL Laura Brookes showed fellow pupils and teachers who the boss was yesterday, when she became headteacher for the day.

The 11-year-old took over the top job at Ian Ramsey Church of England School, in Stockton, and, according to school headteacher Mike Davison, the year seven pupil was a natural leader.

Mr Davison said: "Laura did a staff briefing in the morning for about 60 teachers and you would've thought she'd been doing it for years. She's been absolutely splendid."

The youngster, who even took over the headteacher's office for the day, was given the chance to run the school after bidding for the prize at a recent auction of promises.

One of her first decisions to improve staff morale was an extra "cake break".

She said: "I've really enjoyed it, though there seems to be a lot of running around.

"I think it must be a hard job to do all the time.

"t was nice to tell the teachers what to do though, I quite liked that."