A PRIMARY school celebrated a milestone in its history by throwing a birthday party.

All Saints CE Primary School in Farnworth marked its 50th anniversary by inviting past pupils and staff to the celebrations and share school day memories as well as take a trip down memory lane through looking at old photographs charting the school's history.

Headteacher Katie Hague said: "We found the foundation stone, from 1965, last year and decided that we should mark the occasion.

"The stone was behind a cupboard in the hall.

"Some staff knew it was there but nobody really took any notice of it.

"I was looking for the date the school opened last November so somebody suggested I look at the stone and we noticed that it was coming up to 50 years this March."

And children got in on the act too, celebrating the landmark year in lessons by finding out about life in the 1960s, from studying Andy Warhol and The Beatles to finding out about the moon landing.

Said Mrs Hague said: "We also looked at the work of peace movements such as ban the bomb."

On the day of the birthday party, children, guests, including parents, enjoyed party food, with youngsters taking part in the modern pastime of having their face painted as well as more traditional playground games.

Mrs Hague said: "Sophia especially enjoyed playing hopscotch and hula hooping.

"She loved having her face painted."

She added: "We also buried a time capsule with information about the school now, which we hope can be opened in another 50 years.

"Several of the visitors commented on how good the school looks, and how much they enjoyed being part of our celebration.

"The children and staff are looking forward to continuing to improve and being 'the best that we can be'.

"I’m incredibly proud of how hard the staff team — especially Miss Newton, Miss Powell and Mrs Hulstone — have worked to make the week a huge success.

"Weeks like this remind all of us about being part of a team, celebrating our successes and looking towards the future."