Spears presents cheque to Bronx school

Britney Spears presented a £10,000 cheque to John Philip Sousa Middle School yesterday.

The popstar was a surprise guest at the Bronx educational establishment, where she handed over an endowment for the school's music programme.

Spears was greeted by a performance from the school's eight-piece band Sousatones. She later joked that she would call them about appearing on her 2009 world tour.

"You'll be the first people I call," she said.

The donation was made by Elizabeth Arden, who worked with Spears on her fragrances Believe, Fantasy and Curious.

Speaking to People, Spears commented: "I really enjoyed the time I spent at the John Philip Souza Middle School.

"I loved hearing the school orchestra and the children sang so beautifully. The fact that Elizabeth Arden made such a large donation for the school music studio in my name was so generous."

Students had been told a "high-profile" guest would attend the school, but pupils had guessed that it would either be Barack Obama or P. Diddy.