‘Many Daltonians regard Chapel Street Infants School as part of the family. Generations of Dalton children started their education at the school, which has been service the town for 130 years.’

So began The Mail’s School of the Week report in December 2007.

Helen Watt was the proud headteacher of Chapel Street Infants and Dalton Nursery.

Miss Watt said: “This is a traditional school and our family extends out into Dalton. Generations of families have come here and people love to come back to the school.

“Our ethos is about family and community. We pride ourselves on that.”

The school aspired to the motto “Everyone is special  Believe in yourself!”

The three to seven-year-olds had recently discovered a love for the work of 20th century art icon Picasso.

They excitedly took on the task of replication the master’s work during a Let’s Create artsweek.

Chapel Street often linked up with nearby Dowdales School for arts projects, making the most of the Dalton secondary’s specialist performing arts provision.

The children loved showing others all the new things they had learned in lessons and extra curricular clubs.

Pupils happily burst into a rendition of Frere Jacques, learned at the popular new French club.

The school was very proud of Dalton’s history and children learned about the growth of the town from the days of iron mining.

Children listed a trip to Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre, near Alston, as one of their favourite visits.

Miss Watt said: "They are interested and they always have a smile on the faces. They love coming to school.

"The staff are fantastic. I cannot praise them enough, from the dinner ladies to senior staff and governors.

"Parental involvement is very good we have mums and dads and grandparents helping in the classroom and going on the school trips."