PUPILS at an Ulverston school found out about life in the Victorian classroom back in 1996 as part of events to mark a century of education.

The Mail, on Monday, June 24, noted: Children at Church Walk Infant School, Ulverston, turned the clock back 100 years and enjoyed it so much they wanted to remain in a Victorian timewarp.

"As part of the school's centenary celebrations, the children donned the costumes of 1896 and took part in lessons just like they would have been at the end of the last century.

"The school's computers were replaced by old fashioned abacuses.

"But mathematical whizzkids, such as five-year-old Jonathan Price, still had no problem making all his sums add up.

"And the exercise books were packed away for the day as children, such as seven-year-old Toni McCarron, used slates for their written work.

"The children  were seated in rows, copying work from the blackboard and PE lessons were replaced by drill sessions in the playground."

Headteacher Janet Benson said: "It was an excellent day and the costumes were beautiful.

"The parents obviously went to a lot of trouble to get all the details right.

"The funny thing was how much the children enjoyed it all.

"They even stood up and said 'good morning ma'am' every time another teacher came into the classroom.

"Not one of them said they missed the computer or the TV they take for granted today."

Other events to mark the centenary year included a visit by the Furness Clog Dancers to show children the kinds of traditional dances which helped to provide entertainment in Victorian times.

The Mail, on May 19, noted: "Forget gardeners and their monster vegetables - the children of Church Walk Infant School were displaying vegetable monsters at the school's centenary gala.

"Pupils were challenged to create a scary creature out of vegetables for a competition judged by Furness MP John Hutton.

"Jessica Henderson, from Year One, arranged a selection of aubergines, courgettes and tomatoes for her monster and soon tasted success - but her creation was not so lucky.

"According to Jessica's mum, the winning entry was destined to be made into ratatouille."

More than £700 was raised for school funds from the centenary gala.