FORMER pupils rolled back the years when they helped a primary school celebrate its 50th birthday.
Mount Pleasant School in Darlington opened its door to give people the opportunity to have a look around and reminisce about their former school days.
Originally opening in 1969,the school, which is based on Newton Lane in Darlington, now forms part of Lingfield Education Trust.
Generations of families have come through the school in the past 50 years – it’s thought school has taught more than 7,000 pupils in that time.
The school had called on former pupils to share their memories of the school and as a result they created a number of exhibition boards which included photographs of former pupils and staff who had worked their over the last 50 years.
Teaching assistant Claire Hewitt who was also a pupil at the school and her mum Avril Hewitt who has been a cleaner at the school for 30 years
One of the school's teaching assistants, Adam Swan, is a former pupil who is now helping to guide the next generation of Mount Pleasant youngsters.
The school’s head teacher, Jo Blackham said: “It was a really lovely afternoon, we could have done with more people turning up, but those who did seemed to really enjoy it.
“Two former teachers, Margaret Smith and Margaret Teesdale, who worked at the school when it first opened popped in and had a tour around the school to reminisce about their time working here.
“A former pupil, Mark Burke, also came in for a look around and offered to help us promote the exhibition if we decide to do it again.
“The exhibition boards were really good and people who did come really enjoyed them – it's just a shame that more people e the chance to have a look around.”
Past teachers Margaret Smith and Margaret Teesdale
The school will be holding another open afternoon on Thursday, June 20. Current pupils will be putting on a performance for parents from 1.30pm and the school’s summer fair will take place from 2.30pm.
All are welcome to attend next month's event.
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