The Mail has reported on the activities and events held at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School at Barrow over the years.

In 1994, pupils from years five and six had been due to go on the school’s annual trip to London when, out of the blue, headteacher Pat Black got a call from the Tower of London.

Their trip to the Tower was set to coincide with the Queen’s official opening of the crown jewels.

So the school was one of only three in the country that was able to watch the Queen officially open her new jewel house from only a few feet away.

TV crews and the national press also turned out and the children were really excited to spot Diane from Blue Peter.

Pupil Leanne approved of the Queen’s bright purple outfit. Laura said of the jewels: “They were beautiful.”

The trip to the Tower was only the jewel in the crown of a packed few days for the children.

They had already taken in Trafalgar Square, followed by the National Gallery, a tour around the House of Commons, the Museum of London and the Guinness Book of World Records.

They also visited the creepy crawly exhibition at the Natural History Museum. Kevin said: “I liked it when the tarantula jumped out of the hole.”

Ian’s favourite bit was seeing all the flashing lights at Piccadilly Circus.

In 1995, The Mail reported how a special assembly was held at Sacred Heart School when a popular member of staff retired after 24 years in the job.

Ann Worton, a non-teaching assistant, was presented with a bottle of champagne, flowers and a cheque for a holiday.

But her most memorable moment was receiving a book written by the children, which included pictures they had drawn, photographs they had taken and the line: “I remember Mrs Worton because…”

Mrs Worton said it was a tearful end to 24 ‘brilliant’ years.