IT WAS a golden anniversary celebrated in the style of the swinging Sixties.
Pupils from St Richard's Primary School have been toasting their school turning 50.
The school in Marfleet Lane, east Hull, opened on April 30, 1963.
And, as part of a week-long celebration, the youngsters, staff and their families dressed up in 1960s style for a picnic.
There were little Elvises, hippies and some pupils dressed as characters from The Sound of Music.
Sharon Melia-Craven, headteacher at the school, said: "It was fantastic. It was really great to see so many parents and other family members there giving their support to their children and to the school."
All 412 pupils, staff and their family members enjoyed the picnic in the grounds at the Marfleet Lane School.
There was 1960s music and dancing to celebrate.
"They really enjoyed it," said Mrs Melia-Craven.
"They loved being with each other and their families. There were grandmas, grandads, baby sisters and brothers and cousins. It was great.
"The weather was beautiful .We were very lucky.
"The children understand that it is a golden anniversary and how much it means to the school."
Parents made the picnic food and the party went on for about an hour.
Ellen Shepherdson, eight, said: "It was really fun. We had music and dancing, not just a picnic. Some of the costumes were hilarious."
Thomas Dale, ten, said: "It's an important day for us to celebrate. It's really special to us as a school. The picnic was incredible – we loved it. It was one of the best days of the year."
Abbie Shepherdson, 11, said: "The anniversary really means something to us, so we have lots of things planned.
"Parents and friends of the school came to help us celebrate at the picnic. It was a real community event. Everyone had great fun, even the teachers."
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Catholic school also held Mass with Bishop Terry Drainey, of the Diocese of Middlesbrough, and Fathers Dominique Minskip, Michael Sellars, David Grant and Bill Charlton.
"We had heads from the other Catholic primary schools, as well as governors and parents," said Mrs Melia-Craven.
"We have also had an open evening for all ex-pupils and staff.
"We had a display of old photographs and there were lots of memories.
"They had a tour of the school and had a look in the classrooms to see what they look like now."
The anniversary celebrations will draw to a close at 7pm tonight and tomorrow when pupils will put on a special performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the school.
