“FROM blackboards to smartboards.”

That’s how one Southampton head teacher described the history of his school as it celebrated a milestone this week.

Harefield Primary School marked its 60th birthday this week with a fair at the site in Yeovil Chase.

With a cake cutting, balloon release and stalls galore, there was even a performance by head teacher Gary Hampton and his rock band.

Tombolas, raffles, ice creams, penalty shoot outs and performances by the school’s Rock Challenge group turned the playground into a hive of celebrations as former pupils and teachers gathered together to join in the fun.

Special guest retired teacher Helen Dear was employed at the school when it opened in 1957.

And with 54 pupils in her class back then, it’s clear times have changed.

Ms Dear said: “It’s completely different - I wouldn’t have recognised it.

"My daughter told me about the event so I thought I’d come and have a look. But some things never change - the children are still running about having fun.”

Head teacher Mr Hampton said: “We are here to give children the very best chances.

"I’ve been told the classrooms were built for 40 children, and back in the 1950s it was just one teacher with one class of children.”

He added: “We are very proud of our community, and being in the heart of it is what our purpose is.”