St Mary's Church of England School at Dalton threw open its doors for the annual summer fayre on Saturday, July 2.

Face painting, pony rides and a bouncy castle were among the attractions for children, while mums and dads had a chance to enjoy the summer weather.

The event was organised by the Friends of St Mary's School.

Under the headline 'Silver Service' The Mail reported in January 1995 how the Bishop of Carlisle helped St Mary's Church of England School to celebrate 25 years at Coronation Drive.

The school held a special celebration including a service attended by the Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Ian Harland.

Then the Bishop accompanied guests and pupils to the school for the official opening of the new library.

The school was originally founded in 1865 on the site of what was, in 1995, the Chequers Hotel at Abbey Road. It moved to its site at Coronation Drive in 1970. Photographs of the opening at the site in 1970 were displayed at the school.

After the opening of the library, the children, armed with packed lunches, had a picnic in the school and then boogied the afternoon away with a celebratory disco.

The opening of the library signalled the completion of the first stage of the renovation of the school. The project cost £101,000.

Headteacher Michael Eady said: "I think what really made it was that it was a day for the children and not just an official opening.

"It was an excellent day and the Bishop said he really enjoyed it.

"I told him at least one child loved him because one of the children came up and asked him if he would like their last Rolo!"

Mr Eady added: "It will be something for the children to remember."

Dalton mayor Ann Coward and mayoress Christine Roe also visited the school to see the new facilities.