PUPILS and teachers past and present joined together to celebrate a very special birthday - that of St Julian's junior school.

The Newport primary first opened its doors for learning on November 6 1953, guests, including Newport mayor Ray Truman, were invited to a jubilee celebration with a concert charting the school's history.

Head teacher David Rees, who joined a year ago, said: "It's wonderful to see so many past teachers and pupils back here to celebrate the school's Jubilee year. Some have travelled from all across the UK to be with us, and I think they were more than pleased with the children's efforts."

Two of the school's very first pupils were there to reminisce about its beginnings and share memories with current pupils.

GP Dr Julian Davey, aged 58, now lives in the Midlands, and attended the school from 1953 to 1956. Retired nurse Carol King, nee Thomas, aged 61, now lives in Bristol, and attended the school for a year in 1953.

Dr Davey said: "Things have definitely changed since I was here last. There was a lot of mud around in those days, and not a lot of houses."

But Mrs King said: "I don't think it's changed very much at all. Driving back through the estate it still looks the same."

After watching a play performed by dozens of costumed pupils, which highlighted the fashions and music of the five decades since the school was founded, former teachers met current teachers to share their memories of St Julians.

Former teacher Edith Richards travelled from York to attend the event.

Miss Richards, who taught at the school from 1955 to 1962, said: "Today has brought back a lot of memories. The children were thoroughly enjoying that performance, but in our day they would have been frightened, we ruled with an iron rod!"

Stuart Pitson, 67, who taught at the school from 1957 to 1963, now lives in Henley.

He said: "The building looks exactly the same, although it's a lot smaller than I remember. The atmosphere here is still excellent. When I was here the school's strength was down to strong relationship between the headteacher and staff. I think they've carried that on today."

Councillor Truman will unveil a plaque marking the anniversary later this year.