LEADERSHIP may run in the family for headteacher Karen Riordan.

As Mrs Riordan presides over Brimscombe Primary School from her desk, possible distant relative Barack Obama is preparing to rule America from the Oval Office.

"My three children are all very excited about being related to the president-elect," she said.

"We’re waiting for an invitation to the White House."

Mrs Riordan's mother Jean Dunham discovered the possible link after spotting the name of Obama’s late grandmother Anna Dunham in the newspapers just before the election.

"Initially I thought it was a wind-up because everyone seemed to think It was as well - but I was surprised," she said.

"The only other people I know with that surname all come from the West Midlands and I’m related to all of them.

"He {Obama} does have English connections in the West Midlands and there’s a family rumour that someone went to the States generations back but no one has stayed in touch."

Mrs Riordan, who had been head at Brimscombe for 18 months, admitted she was not ‘100 per cent sure’ as there was no proof but it was fun to speculate.

"I told the staff because I thought it might increase my standing with them," she said.

"But I don’t think it did – everyone thinks it’s a wind-up."

Mrs Riordan, who was once vice-president of the students’ union at Worcester University, said she was delighted Obama won.

"It made the election feel a bit personal," she said.

"We got up early and watched his speech.

"I think his is a very inspirational leader and has united a lot of people in the states already.

"I hope he will do well."

The family is considering contacting the White House to arrange a visit.