THERE was plenty to celebrate for a Furness school when the opening of a new building coincided with anniversary celebrations.

The Mail, on Wednesday, July 9 in 2008, noted: "Pupils at Greengate Primary School, Barrow, were ringing in the changes as they celebrated the school's 135th anniversary.

"The building opened on July 4 in 1873 and has recently been treated to a new library extension and arts annexe, which were unveiled at the school's birthday party on Friday."

"Headteacher Colin Smith said he was overwhelmed with the turnout, which he estimates at more than 400."

He said: "I'm so pleased with the way the new work has turned out because it has converted an old Victorian building into a modern learning environment while retaining some of the school's original features."

The article said: "The new entrance hall features the original bell from the school's bell tower and Mr Smith says he has been keen to protect the building's character."

He said: "You can even still see the chimney breast where they used to boil the water for the laundry."

Part of the anniversary celebrations included the performance of a promenade play about different historical eras the school had operated in.

The cast included David Allewel, Brandon Wollveridge, Jammie Dick, Emma Thexton, Ashleigh Kneale and Katie Gower.

The Mail, on Wednesday, July 17 in 1996, described how youngsters were taking part in a series of activities related to Greece in the approach to the Olympic Games behind held in Athens.

It noted: "As part of a Greek week of activities, pupils staged their own version of the ancient Olympiad.

"Dressed in costumes, the children competed in sporting events dating from the original Olympic Games such as javelin, discus and running.

"They even ran their own version of the marathon.

"Pupils Rebecca Round and Steven Sharkey were elected as the chief citizens to oversee the games.

"During the week all lessons took on a Greek theme.

"Local potter Norman Hill helped pupils recreate the poetry of the time with Medusa masks.

"The school hall was transformed into a Greek temple, a play was staged and the children studied ancient Greece.

"Children were offered moussaka and taramasalata with desert a choice between ravamie - orange sponge with sesame seeds - or loukoumades - Greek eclairs.

"There was some relief that the pupils didn't stick too closely to tradition.

"At the ancient Olympiads, females were banned from competing or even watching and the sportsmen competed naked.