THE first headteacher of a primary school returned to help mark their 20th birthday celebrations.

Tom Hudson, who was at the helm of Brinkley Grove Primary School in Colchester when it opened two decades ago, made the long trip down from Scotland for a special assembly.

He was joined by the next headteacher, Gill Jasper, and two members of the school's first reception class in 1997.

Students attending the school now have created a piece of whole school artwork to mark the occasion, thrown a street party with birthday cake and fish and chips and a new school library has been opened.

Current headteacher Darren Smith said although a lot had changed in 20 years, some things had also stayed the same.

He said: "We wanted to mark Brinkley’s 20th birthday with a special day for our children and staff.

"We were thrilled Tom Hudson, who opened the school in 1997, came down from Scotland to see how our school has changed and grown over the years.

"It is remarkable how the school’s values of excellence, understanding and opportunity run through Brinkley Grove today.”