A SCHOOL today (June 2) celebrated its 40th anniversary at the heart of a north Durham community.

Present and former members of staff and pupils, along with parents, joined in celebrations at St Benet’s RC Primary School in St Benet’s Road, Ouston, near Chester-le-Street.

Head teacher Catherine Harper said: “Our school opened with 41 pupils on June 2, 1975 and today we have 259 pupils.

“We have been ranked as an outstanding school by Ofsted since December 2011 and we are among the top 200 primary schools in the country – being ranked 62nd best."

Among those present were three former head teachers Frank Johnson, Phillip Cunningham and Damian Groark.

Miss Harper said: “We had a really lovely Mass, which was conducted by Father Tony Duffy, who is parish priest at St Joseph’s Church, in Birtley.

“Our choir sang some traditional hymns and songs. During the afternoon our children played some old-fashioned playground games, such as pass the parcel, and enjoyed a piece of birthday cake each."

Miss Harper, who took over as head teacher last December, added: “I would like to thank all members of staff and parents and governors for their hard work and support.”

She added: “We aim to make our school a happy and holy place of learning at the centre of the community.”