Britney Spears goes back to school

Oct 2, 2008, 10:00 GMT

Britney Spears visited a school in New York yesterday (01.10.08) - but it was closed.

Britney spent 30 minutes at John Philip Souza Middle School to present a $10,000 cheque for the school's music programme, and despite their being a holiday, some pupils were present for the visit.

Sousatones, the school's eight-piece band, greeted the singer with a performance, before telling her: "When you're ready to take us on the road for an opening act, we're ready."

Britney replied: "You'll be the first people I call."

She was also serenaded by a chorus of seven girls during the visit, who had been told to expect a surprise special guest.

One stunned pupil said: "I can't believe she's here. I couldn't say anything - it's Britney. I was shell-shocked."

The donation to the school came from Elizabeth Arden, the company behind Britney's fragrances, Believe, Fantasy and Curious.

Speaking about the day, Britney - who was guarded by around 20 local police - said: "I really enjoyed the time I spent at the John Philip Souza Middle School. I've been working with the people at Elizabeth Arden for the last five years, and I know how passionate everyone is about the 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."

Meanwhile, Britney's cousin and former assistant Alli Sims has revealed she isn't allowed to contact the 'Womanizer' singer after her father Jamie Spears became co-conservator of her estate and took control of her affairs.

She said: "I have no idea when I'll see her again. I miss her every day. When Britney's dad gained control, he put some rules down. It's just best for her to not communicate with a lot of people. My main concern is her being OK."