WHEN a South Cumbrian school decided to build a new path it got the pupils involved in the design and production of the distinctive mosaic paving stones.

The Mail, on March 9 in 1994, noted: "Year six pupils at Sir John Barrow School in Ulverston are paving the way with a new path at their school.

"Working with artist in residence Roger Bloomfield they are making mosaics which will be turned into paving stones.

"The designs were inspired by the environment and include butterflies, insects, frogs, trees, birds and fish.

"When completed, the stones will be used to pave the way to the school's Wide World environment corner.

"Until now there has not been a path to a pond popular with the children. In wet weather the walkway became muddy.

"Headteacher Doug Lowes had seen Roger Bloomfield's work at Welfare State International.

"The plan was to enable children to try creative work with Roger and make something useful at the same time.

"The stones are made in a mould which is filled with cement and porous tiles which have been smashed.

"They are put together in a pattern to make the mosaic.

"There will be 48 stones when the work is completed and there are plans to plant bushes and trees around the path."

In January 1994 pupils were dressing as their favourite characters from fiction as part of a week of book activities.

Among the year group winners were Patrick Godber as Mr Bug the Beeman and Jenna Croft  as Mrs Tiggywinkle.

Friends Amanda Errington, Fern Oxley, Hannah McGregor,Rachel McGregor and Else Horn won the year five prize dressed as farm animals while the year six prize went to Martin Moore and Christopher Wilson as Scrooge and Marley's Ghost.

Teacher Pat Marshall said: "It encourages the children to get interested in books and they have a wonderful time.

"I think they enjoyed dressing up the most."

In May 1993 the school was visited by members of the Furness Falcons wheelchair basketball team to tell the youngsters about sport for people with disabilities and to let them try out the specially adapted wheelchairs which cost more than £1,000 each.