GENERATIONS of former pupils and staff visited their old school as it celebrated its 125th anniversary.

Ferryhill Station Primary School has held a series of events to mark its anniversary milestone.

The school held an open day yesterday for anyone who has had a connection with the establishment over the years.

The event proved an enormous success, with more than 100 people visiting to see how the school has changed.

Headteacher Val Jago said: "Lots of former pupils have met their old teachers, and lots of people have met friends they went to school with but have not seen for years and years.

"We have even had one lady who lives in Spain and she happened to be over here when she heard about it.

"It has been a lovely atmosphere and people have been really excited to see each other. Lots of them have brought in old photographs. This event really has spanned the generations."

The open day coincided with the opening of the school's outdoor play area.

School inspector Anne Firth unveiled a plaque at the site yesterday.

The play area has cost £12,000, of which £1,000 was raised by the school and £5,000 came from the National Lottery's Awards for All scheme. The remaining money was matched funding provided by the Seed Challenge initiative.

The play area was initially going to be for reception year pupils only, but enough money was raised to include equipment for use by all of the school's pupils