FAMILIES reminisced about their memories of an Egremont school during 50th anniversary celebrations.

Past and present pupils mixed together at a special party to mark the opening of St Bridget’s Catholic School’s current building in 1966.

A range of activities were organised for children and adults – including a bouncy castle, a DJ, a bar and food stalls – as hundreds turned out for the occasion.

“I’d like to thank everyone for coming to celebrate our 50th anniversary,” said current headteacher Suzanne Smith.

“I’m overwhelmed at the turnout and the reaction that we’ve had. I want to especially thank everyone who has helped us to put the event on.”

Many former students returned to the school to see how it had changed since their time.

School governor, and Copeland councillor, Mike McVeigh said: “It’s a nice turnout and it’s good to see everyone enjoying it.

“When I started as a pupil in 1949 I was given a slate and a piece of chalk. We had two teachers and they were both characters. The children these days have it a lot better.”

Teachers had erected a display board showing a range of photos from over the school’s history.

And former teachers were invited back to visit their old workplace and meet past pupils.

Christine Graham, who worked as a supply teacher at the school for over 15 years, said: “It is a lovely school. When I came back in I got pangs from all the happy memories.

“I had a lump in my throat. The parents here are great and I’d do it all again if I could.”

Youngsters in Year 2 put on a show of country dancing and children relished the chance to throw wet sponges at their teachers.

One former student who popped in for a visit was Copeland mayor Mike Starkie.

He said: “I started here in 1969 and it was relatively new, it hasn’t changed too much. My kids came here too and it has always been a great community school.

“I’ve seen a lot of ex-pupils from my time, a lot of generations of the same family pass through the school.”

Do you have memories of attending or teaching at St Bridget's? Contact Drew Sandelands on 01946 595139 or drew.sandelands@cnmedia.co.uk for an upcoming feature.