A SCHOOL had eight cakes to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Six had been provided by catering staff at South Pelaw Infants School, in Chester-le- Street, and two were delivered from the Hilton Hotel, in Gateshead.

Headteacher Dorothy Hales said school cooks Moira Stewart and Christy Hedley had first made a cake for each of the school's six classes.

Then the Hilton provided two more, each bearing the school's logo.

The school was opened in 1968 and Dorothy Hall, who as Dorothy Gall was a pupil at the time, assembled a photographic exhibition to mark the four decades.

With a refurbishment of its classrooms just completed, the 119 pupils, staff, former pupils, friends of the school and governors attended a party.

The friends presented each child with a sun hat as a memento - and to protect them while outdoors.

During the party, the school's youngest pupil, fouryear- old Jacob Perry, and the oldest youngster, seven-yearold Katie Rowe, were invited to cut one of the cakes.

"The school has remained at the heart of the community since its opening 40 years ago, and it was a significant occasion for us all," said Mrs Hales.