Pupils took a few steps back in time to see what life was like for their counterparts by holding a victorian day.

Children at Rochford Primary School were marched into the premises and taught in rows for the event arranged to coincide with the school's 125th birthday.

They also dressed up in traditional costume along with staff. The Ashingdon Road school will hold its full birthday celebrations on November 1 with a day retracing its history back to 1877.

Teach-in - little Joe Conroy is keen to answer while classmate Hayley Watts is stumped Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

Headteacher Gy Rampersaud said: "Children are looking forward to performing their celebratory concerts to parents and friends in the community.

"The school is one of the oldest in Essex and it's important to mark this occasion."

The school, which still boasts its original plaque and bell, was built in 1877 as a national school, paid for by public subscription and run on church principles for the parishes of Rochford, Hawkwell, Stambridge, Eastwood and Sutton.

Published Monday October 21, 2002

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