Rishi Sunak joined end of year celebrations and leavers’ farewells at two North Yorkshire primary schools.

At Askrigg Primary – part of the Bainbridge, Askrigg and West Burton Federation – he took part in the leavers’ assembly as pupils moving to secondary school said their farewells to staff and younger pupils.

Mr Sunak, MP for Richmond and Northallerton, presented the prize for outstanding contribution to school life to Katie Blackburn.

He spoke to the departing pupils about the move to a bigger school and the opportunities that it offered.

After the assembly he joined parents, pupils, staff and governors at the school’s annual summer fair.

Mr Sunak said: “It was inspiring to be part of the pupils’ big day, to hear their memories of their first school and to wish them well as they looked forward to the next stage in their education journey.”

At South Otterington Church of England Primary, Mr Sunak took part in a Q&A session with pupils, answering their questions on his work as their local MP and his time as Chancellor and Prime Minister.

He also visited the early years classes and read to the children before enjoying an impromptu game of cricket with the older pupils in the school yard.

South Otterington head teacher Amanda Gledhill said: "Our final day of term was one to remember and everyone enjoyed meeting Rishi during his visit. The children were really interested hearing about his work in the House of Commons.”