THE Bishop of Worcester visited Fladbury First School to marks its 150th anniversary.

The Rt Revd Dr John Inge joined school supporters at Fladbury Church for a service to celebrate the special anniversary of the school.

Children staged a lively performance with music and dancing.

Chair of governors Pam Stubbs said: "This is an historic occasion and we will be welcoming many guests who have played such a big part in the life of the school, including past headteachers, staff, governors and chair of governors, as well as many alumni and parents.

"It is a great privilege to celebrate the work of so many people over so many years and we are thrilled that Bishop John is joining us in the celebration. "We are very lucky to have a great village school and are thankful to those that built the school 150 years ago."

Headteacher Julie Wilson said she was thrilled to be leading the school during its important anniversary years.

She said: "The children are very excited to be taking part and have been learning all about the school and its history.

"Some of the children have parents and grandparents who themselves were pupils at the school and know what it was like a long time ago.

"The current school hall was used as two classrooms just 65 years ago and it was divided by a curtain to make the two classrooms.

"It’s hard to imagine how the teachers managed when you look at the difference between the fantastic facilities we have now and the cramped rooms that were then the norm."

After the service there was a garden party and the children took part in Maypole dancing.

There will also be a balloon launch to raise funds for IT equipment and a celebration cake kindly provided by Lawrances the Bakers of Evesham.

One of the oldest residents of Fladbury, Jean Quarterman, aged 94, was an honoured guest.

Her husband was the last headteacher of the school before it changed from a primary to a first school in 1976.