THE head of a Darwen school has paid tribute to his pupils after a trip to Paris.

Ashleigh Primary headteacher Ian Matthews told parents: “All 38 children returned home safe and sound, having had a once-in-a-lifetime week in France with all their school friends.

“The children were a real credit to their parents and brilliant ambassadors for Ashleigh. The public went out of their way to comment on their excellent behaviour many times during the week. The trip couldn’t have gone ahead without staff volunteers, so many thanks to them for giving up their time, energy and even health, so that the visit could go ahead. It makes me very proud to be the headteacher of such a wonderful group of children and staff.”