TRAVELLING back in time, sisters Marion Townson and Deborah Storr retraced the steps of their childhood when they visited their old school.

Walking through the corridors and classrooms of their beloved primary brought back memories of fun and friendship, along with the terrifying day the world turned black.

The pair were among past and present pupils, parents and staff to visit Vane Road Primary School, in Newton Aycliffe, yesterday ahead of its demolition.

The gates to the 1959 building opened one last time so members of the community could look around and relive some old school memories before it makes way for a new £5.5m structure.

The sisters said as soon as they walked through the door, all their school-day memories of lessons and playtimes came flooding back.

MS Townson said: “Walking in is like going right back to when we were children.

“My most vivid memory at the school is of my teacher Miss Hill, I think it would have been in 1967, there was an eclipse and everything outside went black.

“I can remember sitting on Miss Hill’s knee crying because I was worried about my mam who was at home with my little sister on her own.”

They recalled the hours spent staring out of the windows, took pictures of the classrooms they remember fondly and shared stories going back five decades.

They had hoped to rediscover, and even keep as a souvenir, an old wooden ruler that used to be pinned to a wall and was used to measures pupils’ heights­ in feet and inches.

The pair began studying at the school in 1964 and 1971 and although they will be sad to see the place go, both believe the new build is best for the future of the school.

Also among the crowd were many of the school’s former teachers, who could be seen looking through old staff pictures and comparing the school to years passed.

Former headteacher Bryan Stubbs, who began teaching at the school nearly 60 years ago, said: “I’m a little bit sad to see it go but nothing in life lasts forever.

“I think the new school will be good for the children and the community.”

The sadness of those bidding the site a final farewell was met with excitement about the future prospects for Vane Road. Headteacher Kieran Pavey, who has worked there for five years, believes the day highlighted the strength of the community.

He said all 400 children at the school will benefit from the vibrant, new facility which will give future generations a modern, efficient environment in which to learn and grow.

He said: “There are so many people that have turned up today.

"School days have so many happy memories for everybody and this building will always be a part of that.

“We all remember our favourite teacher and the special days we had as children.

“The kids love that the school is getting rebuilt, they’re really excited.

"It’s the end of an era as there are still very happy memories attached to this building.

“We are extremely excited to be moving into the new building.

"The team have worked incredibly hard.”