PUPILS past and present gathered at a Hampshire school to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Oakfield Primary School opened in 1968 – the year in which Hampshire sailor Sir Alec Rose completed his famous round-the-world voyage in Lively Lady.

Memories came flooding back as people connected with the school in Sylvia Crescent, Totton, recalled half a century of educating the town’s children.

The oldest member of staff present was Richard Cook, who worked at the school from 1971 to 1978.

Mr Cook spent time reminiscing and sharing experiences with the school’s newest member of staff, Steven Osborne, who joined last month and now teaches year two.

PFTA chairman Grace Angove said: “It was lovely to see so many people.

“We couldn’t have hoped for a better day weather-wise, and I was delighted that Mr Cook could join us as he was one of the first members of staff.”

Oakfield, which opened as an infant school in 1968, survived two serious fires in 1974 and 2001.

In 1995 it became one of few primary schools in the area.

As part of the anniversary celebrations head teacher Ms Marcella Dobson, along with the school pupils and governors buried a time capsule containing a selection of the children’s work and memorabilia from each of the seven classes.

All the children and staff were presented with anniversary badges to mark the important milestone in the school’s history.

For more about Oakfield, see the Remember When section in Saturday’s Echo.