The head teacher of Stoke Damerel Primary School, Richard Marsh, had appealed for parents to help weed the borders in the playground.

He asked if anyone could spare some time when collecting their children.

No one volunteered but when he arrived at school a few days later, he found a secret weeder had done the work.

'Heartening'

Mr Marsh has thanked the enigmatic gardener in the most recent issue of the newsletter but no one has come forward.

Mr Marsh said: "The phantom weeder is just the kind of superhero every school needs.

"It is heartening that someone has taken the trouble to tidy up the ragged borders without expecting any thanks for the work."

He said it underlined the depth of support among parents for the school and its community.