A BLACKPOOL headteacher is celebrating his 35th birthday this month, only one day after he toasts his school for being ten times as old!

Graeme Dow, headteacher of Bispham Endowed CE Junior School, has organised a week-long programme of events to raise awareness of the history of the school which is the oldest in Blackpool.

Mr Dow said the week will culminate with a birthday party on June 24 -- the day before he is 35 -- which will consist of entertainments and sports events.

He explained that in its 350-year history the school has been through a great deal. With funds generated by the profits of two London pubs, the school was first established. When the pubs burned down in the Great Fire of London a legacy of £200 was given to maintain the school, but even this ran out and it was closed. A disused Presbyterian church then became the new home for 100 years.

In 1869 school inspectors commented: "The present school is in a shocking state, with rain dripping down among the children and forming pools on the floor." The building was abandoned in 1873 and for five years it was housed in the Temperance Hall. In 1878 a new school was erected, costing £821, and lessons were taught there until 1964 when it moved to its present location on Bispham Road in a building costing £65,000.

The school's 350th birthday party takes place between midday and 6pm on Saturday, June 24. Mr Dow said: "We hope many past pupils will come and join us to share their experiences of school life, and their achievements since leaving school, and to sign a commemorative visitors book. We would also be grateful if people could contact us beforehand to tell us any special stories about the school's history."

If anyone can help they should call Graeme Dow on (01253) 354672.