Family affair as model comes home

A school fete in Brownhills may be a far cry from the catwalks of London, New York and Milan but supermodel Erin O'Connor had no trouble fitting in at Ogley Hay Nursery's special day today.

One of the faces of high street giant Marks & Spencer, Erin, who hails from Brownhills, cut the ribbon to officially declare the summer extravaganza open.

It was a family affair for the stunning model as her mother Veronica is the nursery school's secretary while her sister Kelly Yates is a learning support assistant.

Her four-year-old nephew Ben Yates, who is a pupil at the nursery, was chosen to present his aunt with a bouquet of flowers and was promptly rewarded with a big kiss.

She may be one of the most sought-after models in the world, but there was no diva attitude from the 30-year-old, who was got stuck in by helping to boost sales on the books and toys stall with the help of her family.

"I've had such a lovely day," said the star. I did my work experience here about 15 years ago when I was training to be a nursery nurse so it's nice to come back.

"I recognise a lot of the kids and I'm friends with the staff as we have 15 years of history together. I've really enjoyed myself helping out on the books and toys stall and I've also had the chance to look around a fire engine which was great." It was a short visit to her hometown for Erin, who is due back at work tomorrow to prepare for a trip to New York next week.

Hundreds of people flocked to the fete to take part in a range of fun-filled activities and get a glimpse of the model, who they are more used to seeing gracing the TV screen in Marks and Spencers' famous adverts.

Assistant headteacher Margaret Turley said: "It has gone really well and it's helped that it's a lovely day. We're really pleased Erin could make it and she has been a big hit with the children."