PUPILS at a Burley-in-Wharfedale school will have their names inscribed on an innovative sculpture which is to mark the school's 25th anniversary.

A quarter of a century has passed since the opening of Burley Middle School, and staff and pupils have marked the occasion by pressing lino 'leaves' onto bricks which will surround a sculpture of a tree.

And pupils have been looking on in amazement as local artist Ailsa Magnus worked in their midst on the cast-iron tree all week.

The sculpture coincides with the end of an era for the school, which will bid farewell to its middle school status next year in a district wide schools shake-up.

Teacher Anni Allsuch, who came up with the idea for the sculpture, sees it as a fitting tribute to all staff and pupils at the school.

Mrs Allsuch said: "I just wanted something to celebrate the school's 25 years. Every single person here will be represented by a brick with their name on.

"We are all quite sad to see the middle school system going - this will be a permanent way of celebrating it."

It has been quite a week at the Langford Lane-based school. The present pupils enjoyed a variety of French experiences - including mime, juggling and comedy.

An Indian dancer made an appearance at the school and a musical flavour was provided by an orchestra.

Food also made an appearance with several pupils baking 25th anniversary cakes.

A display charting the school's 25 year history has been enjoyed by visitors and the celebrations were rounded off on Friday evening with a 25th anniversary dance for former pupils and staff, as well as those presently connected with the school.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.