SILVERTON Church of England Primary School celebrated its 50th anniversary recently with a celebration service in the big top.

The school was opened in June 1975 by the then Lord Bishop of Exeter, Rt Rev E. Mercer after it moved from its former home in the village.

Fifty years later, the school community gathered to celebrate with songs, readings and a reflection from Sarah Lakey, the Diocesan Education Adviser for School Effectiveness.

The service started with a welcome from Jackie Enright, Chair of Governors and Dr Peter Smith, representing St Mary’s Church in Silverton.

Pupils took part in the service by leading prayers as well as joining in with the songs, one of which was written around the time the school was opened.

“If I Were a Butterfly” was a popular song in the 1970s, and brought back happy memories for former staff and pupils at the school who attended the service.

The celebration was held in the big top, which was on the field after Circus Pazaz performed there on the previous day.

All the pupils also got to take part in circus skills workshops on the day of the celebration and the older children helped to prepare the cream tea that was served to guests afterwards.

Exe Valley and Moorsway Federation Executive Principal John Jolliffe said: “It was lovely to see so many former staff and pupils coming together to celebrate with us today and to hear their stories of the school when they were here.”

There was also an exhibition of photographs, memorabilia and the original plans of the school on display for parents, pupils and friends of the school to enjoy.

Silverton C of E Primary School has 110 pupils aged between two and 11 years old. It has four mixed-age classes.