Delighted teachers and pupils at a Harold Hill school for children with learning difficulties have received the perfect present as the school celebrates its 30th birthday.

As the final plans were being made for Ravensbourne School's reunion party marking its pearl anniversary, the Neave Crescent school received word that it was to receive £5,000 in funding from Tesco Charitable Fund.

The money is to be poured into creating a pets corner for the schools many furry friends, which are so popular among the students.

Deputy head teacher Margaret Rimmer said: "We are absolutely delighted and over the moon. The timing could not have been better.

"The school applied to Tesco for a grant back in February and we had been waiting with our fingers crossed. We received the good news, just days before the party, which gave us even more reason to celebrate. "The reunion went really, really well. We invited as many former staff, pupils and their families as possible and although some could not make it, there was a good turnout for the event.

"I think we was really fortunate with the weather as well. At one point, the clouds rolled in and it looked a little overcast, but the rain stayed away and did not spoil things at all.

"The Mayor of Havering, Cllr Denis O'Flynn and the Mayoress visited us and a pupil who was here when the school first opened on April 1 1971, helped to cut the birthday cake with them.

"We also had guided tours around the school and I could not believe the amount of people who kept saying how much the school has changed and progressed over the years. The staff had worked really hard collecting photographs from over the years to show the changes and this proved fascinating for a lot of the visitors.

"When it was all finished, a lot of people have promised to visit again soon, and we have a large appeal to make it a yearly event."

Tesco will present the cheque at a special assembly at the school on Friday.

Birthday treat: Head teacher Margaret Cameron (Far right) celebrates Ravensbourne School's 30th birthday with Mayor of Havering, Cllr Denis O'Flynn, staff and pupils both past and present

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