VILLAGERS in Willersey, near Evesham, are celebrating an impressive milestone.

Willersey C of E Primary School has reached its 170-year anniversary and a series of special events have been organised to mark the special occasion.

The first will take place on Friday (December 19) when children from the school will release 170 blue and yellow balloons.

Members of the community have been invited to attend the colourful spectacle and hot coffee and mince pies will be served to give the event a festive feel.

Mark Jackson, head teacher at the school, said: "This special anniversary has given all the children a genuine curiosity for the past and they are all looking forward to the celebrations.

“I am hoping we might welcome back some of the older former pupils so that they can pass on the tales of their school days to our youngsters."

Preparations have begun for further events in the New Year and in January children will be making a time capsule, with each pupil placing an item inside.

The capsule will be opened on the school’s 200-year anniversary.