A HOST of favourite literary characters were brought to life by youngsters in fancy dress back in 1994 as a Furness school put books in the spotlight.

Little Bo Peep, Robin Hood, Big Ears and Peter Pan all got in on the act as Barrow's Greengate School opened its new library.

A special cake was cut on July 7 by Nicola Hunter from the Cumbria Education Authority's Library Service.

There was a big splash to start 1996 as almost 100 children aged from five to seven started taking regular swimming lessons.

The Mail, on January 10, noted: "Four classes of 24 youngsters from years one and two are taking advantage of the school's proximity to the Park Leisure Centre and its modern pools.

"Headteacher Anne Young, a former synchronised swimming teacher, decided to start classes after consulting parents by letter last year."

Deputy head Jennifer Marshall said: "The children weren't a bit apprehensive.

"They all came to school with their costumes and could not wait to go.

"There were no tears at all."

The headteacher added: "It is better if children start earlier.

"The older they get the less confident they are."

In 1993 the school turned to new technology to help youngsters with hearing difficulties as it opened a new Rainbow Room.

The Mail, on November 17, noted: "The room was officially opened by Cumbria director of education Pat Black, who cut a rainbow of ribbons."

The headteacher said: "All our classrooms here are a colour — pink, green, blue.

"When we put them all together we get a rainbow."

Furness MP John Hutton came to see the new room and was presented with red rose by seven-year-old Chi Ming Wong to thank him for the interest he had taken in the project.

In 1997 the school had 210 youngsters aged from three to seven years, including 50 part-time pupils in the nursery class.

By 2007 Jennifer Marshall, a former pupil at the school, was headteacher and The Mail, on May 17, noted: "The school's hidden gem is its wonderful outdoor facilities.

"Pupils have great fun using the adventure playground equipment and colourful games printed on the ground.

"Decorative mosaics created by parents and an artist also feature on the walls.

"The pupils are the proud owners of the Greengate Infant School Adventurous, a mini submarine they designed with BAE Systems."

A well-travelled cuddly toy was showing itself to be a valuable geography teaching aid at the school.

The article noted: "Barnaby Bear has proved to be a great learning tool for the children.

"The furry toy has been all over the world with the youngsters and staff.

"The children record his journeys, to destinations like Egypt and Blackpool, on a special world map."