YOUNG time travellers went back to where it all began as they celebrated the 50th anniversary of their school.

SS Simon and Jude CE Primary School in Great Lever is marking its golden jubilee year with a number of special occasions, including a visit from golden girl gymnastic Beth Tweddle.

As well as having a celebratory cake made, staff took the children back to 1965 — when the current school's foundation stone was laid — where they explored some of the differences between life now and what it was like 50 years ago.

Headteacher Simon Bramwell said even the younger staff found they were learning something new.

Mr Bramwell, who joined the school in 2008, said: " I always knew that I would end up being part of a history lesson as, having reached the age of 55, I also started school 50 years ago."

The children were said to be fascinated by the concept of just two television channels in black and white, no PCs or internet, eight tracks and vinyl — and no mobile phones.

The pupils spent a day exploring British and social history over the past 50 years in a series of special lessons.

The day ended with a party where they all enjoyed a special cake marking the milestone in the school's history.

All pupils were all given a commemorative water bottle with the school logo on as a reminder of the events.

Brief history:

1900 Parish of SS Simon and Jude formed. Piece of land called "Daisyfields" given by Earl of Bradford, the Right Honourable, Orlando George Charles Bridgeman.

1901 April 29 school opened on site next to church with 101 scholars, one headteacher and four female teachers. There were two departments (mixed and infants). The school was big enough for 450 scholars. Victorian building with Victorian style classrooms, gas lighting, playground but no field.

1920s School was very overcrowded.

1929 Electric lighting installed to replace gas lamps.

1939 Air raid shelters provided in school yard.

1955 School became a primary school only. Children over 11-years-old went to a new senior school at the top of Lever Edge Lane — Hayward school, now called Essa Academy.

1960s School overcrowded — old building inadequate for current health and safety regulations.

September 1965 Foundation stone laid by church benefactor, Mrs Marion St. Leger Robinson

Early 1967 Children moved into new school building.

Previous Headmasters:

1901 to 1929 Alfred Ainscough

1929 to1962 Harold Pilling

1962 to 1980 The Rev. Jack Jermy

1981 to 1990 Jim Ainscough

1990 to 2004 Terence Whelan

2004 to 2006 Jonathan Fish

2008 to present Simon T Bramwell