A SCHOOL has celebrated its 60th anniversary with the help of a a Commonwealth gold medallist and a Samba beat.

West View Primary School enjoyed their very own Mardi Gras when they dressed in vibrant yellows and green of Brazil to celebrate the history of the World Cup hosts.

The day was opened by gymnast Craig Heap, who represented England more than 100 times in various international gymnastic competitions, including at the 2000 Summer Olympics.

Pupils at the school in Hartlepool enjoyed a parade involving samba drumming, a football competition and a rainforest fun run.

Headteacher Andy Brown said: “Despite the disappointment of England’s performance in the World Cup, all pupils have been studying Brazil and the other countries involved in the tournament.

“We, therefore, decided to link the school’s 60th birthday celebration to Brazilian culture.”

On July 15, 1954 West View Infants School, as it was called then, was opened by Councillor J R Coxon before it amalgamated with West View Junior School to form West View Primary School in 1981.

If anyone has old photographs of the school, Mr Brown would like them to get in touch by calling 01429-267466 or email jsmyth@wvps.hartlepool.sch.uk