PENSIONER Harold Marshall has been back to primary school - 82 years after he left.

The 93-year-old was a special guest at Ainderby Steeple C of E Primary School near Northallerton, to open a new classroom.

Mr Marshall, a retired farmer, who lives in nearby Morton-on-Swale, is the school's oldest ex-pupil.

The youngest girl, Jessica Foster, who was celebrating her fifth birthday, and the oldest boy, 11-year-old Jack Powell, presented Mr Marshall and his wife, Joan, 76, with a bouquet of flowers.

After the opening ceremony Mr Marshall, now a grandfather-of-four, said: "I have very happy memories of this school. Of course, it all looks very different from when I was here, and it was at a different site.

"Our seats were in rows and we didn't have all these computers. It's good to see the school has moved with the times.

"I remember I was a good reader at school, and I loved singing and studying poetry. I used to walk two-and-a-half miles to and from school every day because we lived between Ainderby Steeple and Maunby."

Former pupil Joan Worrallo, 80, travelled from Handsacre, Staffordshire, for the ceremony, with her husband, Len, 76, a retired Chief Fire Officer.

"I was the first pupil to get a scholarship to the grammar school in Northallerton," said Mrs Worrallo, who worked as a draughtswoman after leaving school. "I was always top of my class and, at 11, I was top of the top class."

About 200 pupils and their families were at the opening ceremony for the classroom, which is being used by class one and reception. Their former classroom is to be used by Scruton Pre-School incorporating Headstart, and the out-of-school club Steeple People, which runs before and after school, and during holidays.

Adrian Dixon, chairman of the governors, said: "I'd like to thank everyone who made the effort to join us. It is great to see such a variety of people here."

Headteacher Maureen Webster said: "The evening has reflected the wonderful community atmosphere in the school."

Before the opening, an art exhibition was held, and families were encouraged to buy some of their children's work, to raise about £350 for school art funds.