PUPILS past and present gathered to mark a school’s 125th birthday.

North Primary School, in John Harper Street, Colchester, opened its doors to its first intake of 181 pupils in 1894.

On the big day, celebrations included speeches, a birthday cake and afternoon tea.

All of this year’s pupils have been working on the CXXV project, paid for by National Lottery Heritage Funding, which is exploring its history.

The pupils have worked with artists Nicola Burrell and Lisa Temple Cox to create permanent artworks for the school celebrating the anniversary.

As part of the day they got to see the completed artworks for the first time.

The event started off with an assembly attended by town dignitaries and former pupils and teachers with some travelling as far as Crete and Finland.

Simon Halls, Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, said: “There are not many primary schools that have such a proud and long history.

“You are rightly proud of your history and it should be celebrated.

“We should, however, not just celebrate that longevity and continuity, but should also celebrate all the governors, teachers, support staff, parents and pupils that have worked here, attended the school, supported its development and built its history.”

Pupils were also treated to a message from the school’s oldest living pupil.

Margaret Gilbert, 104, wished the school a happy birthday in a special video.

On Saturday, the school opened its doors to the community, for its biggest birthday party ever.

Guests were treated to performances, playground games, fairground rides, a magic show, music, delicious food and historical displays taking a trip down memory lane.

Headteacher Alan Garnett said: “The party perfectly captured the school’s wonderful community spirit and was a fitting way to celebrate its roots with its past and the vibrancy and diversity of its present.

“The number of people who attended wildly exceeds our expectations and everybody had a wonderful day.”

Laura Davison, CXXV project manager, said: ‘The 125 year anniversary was a unique moment in North’s history.

“So many fantastic stories have been uncovered through the CVVX project and added to the archive.

“What makes North School so special is the people.

“It was fantastic to see so many former pupils return to their school, meet up with old friends and enjoy the day.

“The birthday party was a huge reunion.”

Christine Samson, who attended North in the Forties, said tears of joy were in her eyes as she met up with school friends.

Visit www.northschoolcxxv.com.