WHEN Wood Farm Primary pupils sent popstar Gary Barlow their own song and music video they did not expect a reply.

But the Take That singer surprised the youngsters and their teachers by sending a personal video message back.

The children were inspired to write and record a song after hearing the performance Sing, which Mr Barlow wrote for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012.

Oxford Mail:

Gary Barlow

And the Oxford school wrote and recorded its We Stand Tall song last year alongside its partner school in South Africa.

Pupils then proudly wrote to Mr Barlow, 43, and asked him to have a look at what he had inspired them to do.

In the video message sent back to the school – and shown in assembly – the former X Factor judge said: “I have got two things I want to say to you. Firstly, thank you all so much for my beautiful letters. I promise you I have read every one of them and they are fantasticm so well done and thank you.

“And secondly I want to send enormous congratulations to you all for your amazing song We Stand Tall.

“What an incredible effort. I am inspiring you? No, you have inspired me.

“So well done and keep up the good work. I hope to see you soon.”

Year Five teacher Hannah Barton said the Titup Hall Drive schoolchildren and teachers were all excited by the video.

She said: “The students were amazed when we showed the video in assembly. It took quite a lot of persuading them that it was real.”

Pupil Ellie Wiggins, 10, said: “I was surprised when I saw the video because I admire Gary Barlow’s work and I never thought he would reply.”

Tia Herbert, 10, said: “I had to pinch myself to check if I was dreaming.”

Miss Barton said the children recorded another message for the singer and invited him to visit, but his office said he was too busy at the moment.