THERE were crowns, a tug-of-war and a bouncy castle as youngsters at a Furness school joined national celebrations to mark the golden jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2002.

The Mail, on Wednesday, May 29, noted: "Pupils and teachers will be enjoying a school holiday next week so a whole range of colourful events is due to be held over the next few days.

"Excited youngsters at Ramsden Infant School, in Thwaite Street, Barrow, enjoyed a surprise street party yesterday.

"The children have been learning about the jubilee and had made crowns to celebrate the event.

"As a special surprise headteacher Janet Holland organised a colourful bash to celebrate the event.

"Governor Tony Slater baked a special Union Flag cake and tables were laid out in red, white and blue.

"The rain did not stop the fun and the children played on an assault course and a bouncy castle.

"Youngsters at George Romney School, in Cobden Street, Dalton, will dress in different styles of the decades.

"The pupils will also perform a series of special songs and hold a picnic on the school fields.

"Roose Primary School, in North Row, Barrow, will also be holding a street party on Friday.

"Jubilee events at Yarlside Primary School, in Redoak Avenue, Barrow, include the release of 250 balloons, one for each child.

"The children will also be allowed to wear fancy dress and volunteers will enjoy a jubilee meal.

"Elsewhere adult parties are set to continue over the coming weekend and all through next week."

The national celebration marked the 50th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth to the thrones of seven countries on the death of her father King George VI on February 6 in 1952.

In the 12 months of the golden jubilee, the Queen travelled more than 40,000 miles to events in the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada.

The bulk of the United Kingdom events were held in May and June with the biggest being on June 4  when a million people gathered on The Mall, in London, for a parade and flypast.