The Prince of Wales School in Dorchester said farewell to one of its longest serving teaching assistants with a unique video that has gone viral.

Dawn Cornell has been a teaching assistant at The Prince of Wales School in Maiden Castle Road, for more than twenty years.

Mrs Cornell, who is known for her kind and caring approach with pupils with additional needs, was surprised one morning to find her boss, Headteacher Gary Spracklen at her front door at 7:15am.

What unfolded over the next hour left Dawn “flabbergasted” as Mr Spracklen drove her to work accompanied by a backing track of her favourite songs.

Along the route there were various stops to pick up “special guests” including Dawn’s two children Jayne and Mark Cornell.

Other 'special guests' included current and former 1:1 pupils and other members of staff from The Prince of Wales School. Dawn explains how it all made for a “very unique trip to work”.

Mastermind behind the surprise, Mr Spracklen, said: “Dawn, like all our members of staff at The Prince of Wales School is an incredible human being.

“She has given so much to our school and we wanted to find a fitting way to wish her farewell after over twenty years of dedicated service.

“Dawn loves her music, so the Carpool Karaoke seemed a natural fit. We are delighted that Dawn enjoyed the experience so much.

“The video was all for Dawn, the fact that others are enjoying it as well is nice, but it’s not the reason we made it.”

Dawn’s Carpool Karaoke was not her only farewell surprise.

In her final assembly at the school, Dawn was surprised with a montage of photos from her time at the school.

The assembly included a special speech from former Headteacher of The Prince of Wales School, Mr. Peter Farrington, who reflected fondly on the contribution Dawn had made over a significant number of years.

Those wishing to add their thanks to Mrs. Cornell are encouraged to visit the school’s Facebook page at - www.facebook.com/POWFS where a number of messages have already been left.