YOUNGSTERS at an East Lancashire primary school stepped back in time to mark the 50th anniversary of their school’s creation.

Belthorn Academy Primary School’s pupils past and present turned out to recreate a walk made in 1966, which signalled the merger of two schools.

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Belthorn Academy as it stands today, was the amalgamation of Belthorn and Daisy Green Church of England School, which ran from1863 until 1966 and Belthorn Independent Chapel School, which ran from 1903 until 1966.

To mark the two schools joining together, students from both schools joined hands and made the walk from their sites on Belthorn Road to the new school further down Belthorn Road.

Elizabeth Banyard, Belthorn Academy’s school business manager, said: “On the opening day in 1966, 31 pupils walked from their old schools to the new school.

“We were re-enacting this walk with some of the original pupils joining our current pupils.

“Any original pupils unable to join us were represented by a pupil carrying a card with their name on it.

“The oldest former pupil in attendance, Leslie Murphy, ceremonially cut the ribbon at the front door to open the celebrations.”

For the re-enactment on Thursday, six members of the class of ‘66, who made the initial journey, were able to attend.

The 31 current students chosen to take part linked arms with the former pupils and began the walk at 1.30pm.

All of the chosen youngsters had matching birthdays to the original 31 pupils, and a party was held afterwards to honour the school’s history.

Steve Tilley, Belthorn Academy headteacher, said: “In the end we had six former pupils turn up on the day which was a brilliant numberamount considering.

“All of the children held names up, and each child had matching birth dates to all the former 31 pupils from the school year.

“It was a really successful day, even though the weather didn’t do us any favours.

“We were very pleased with the parents who were very supportive and it was fantastic to see all the older pupils.

“The children had a great time with the walk and the party afterwards, and this was a great opportunity to honour the history of Belthorn Academy Primary School.

“We are very, very grateful for all the support we received throughout the day.”