YOUNG time travellers stepped back to when it all began as they celebrated 165 years of education at their school.

And pupils at St Michael's CE Primary School took hundreds of local people with them.

The school in Great Lever staged a special party to mark the anniversary to which the community was invited.

First stop was experiencing life in the school when it first opened — during the Victorian era, when children were seen but not heard.

Lessons of the day were taught and modern-day comfortable and practical uniforms were swapped for the 19th century clothes.

Visitors also cast their eyes over an exhibition charting the history of the school from 1852 to the present day to the school which inspectors say "is a happy, popular and successful school".

Their tour was followed by traditional English afternoon tea, and children had a chance to take part in fun activities, including trying their hand at circus skills and children, included the very youngest, put on a performance with the help of Bolton Music Service.

The day also featured Bollywood dancing demonstration in which the staff also took part in.

No party would be complete without a cake, which was enjoyed during the day.

Year Six pupils who acted as guides during the day put together a time capsule to mark the day for those being taught at their school in the future to have a glimpse into the past.

Headteacher Alison Hart said: " The celebration day focused on the long history of our well established happy and successful school, set up in the 1800's to serve the local community - and continuing to fulfil that purpose today and long into the future.

"The children, staff and governors were joined by over 200 visitors, many of whom joined in the with broad range of exciting activities taking place."