Ref. 25680-06ONE OF the oldest schools in Swindon is celebrating its 130th birthday.

Teachers, parents and children at South Marston Primary School took advantage of the sunshine to hold a day of fun and games to mark the date.

The school was opened in 1873, and is still going strong with 106 pupils on its roll.

In the morning the children went to the open air pool at Highworth recreation ground for a swimming gala, with parents joining the trip to watch the fun.

Then in the afternoon an outdoor picnic was held at the school, with everyone singing Happy Birthday to the building.

The school had a specially decorated cake made, which featured the school's crest.

Headteacher Gill Llewellyn said: "We must be one of the oldest schools in Swindon but I am not sure if we are the oldest. The children had a great time, although it was very warm for them.

"We used the event to help raise money for the ongoing work being done in the school's grounds, we might get a living willow fence or sculpture with the money."

In the last two years the school has seen some interesting additions to its grounds, including a wooden trim trail for exercise and a musical washing line.