BACK in 1976 Otley celebrated the opening of a brand new school.

And this month, former teachers, dinner ladies, secretaries and pupils returned to All Saints Infants School in Lisker Drive to mark its silver jubilee. The modern Church of England school opened in July, 1976, after much campaigning in the town.

An open plan building sited on the new housing estate on part of the former Irish Fields, the school replaced the old Wharfe Street school which was destined to become a further education centre.

At the official opening, the Vicar of Otley, Canon John Clayton, welcomed the first head teacher, Doreen Hudson. And the Mayor, Councillor Fred Atkinson, urged everyone to look after their 'beautiful, new building'.

In addition to the head teacher, the school had seven other teachers. It was built to cater for 200 children from five to eight years old, but when it opened it already had 223 on its roll. Planning for the two-day silver jubilee celebrations took several weeks. Former teachers, staff and pupils were written to and old photographs and memories put together to make a display.

Children performed a special ceremony bringing together people's memories of the school and a special jubilee party was held. Liz Walton, who coordinated the event, said it had been a great couple of days with everyone enjoying themselves.

"I tried to contact as many old staff as I could and many came back, some had work commitments but some popped in just over lunchtime.

"The children put on a wonderful assembly and the next day there was a puppet show for the children and a silver jubilee party. It was really lovely."