A SOUTHAMPTON primary school has celebrated its 70th birthday with a huge party.

Hundreds of excited pupils at Beechwood Primary School took part in the celebrations yesterday to mark the school's milestone anniversary.

They were visited by Southampton's Lord Mayor, Cllr Jacqui Rayment, as well as author Ali Sparkes - a former pupil at the school.

Children spent months planning the party in the run-up to the big day including hosting competitions, making decorations, and creating a number of murals.

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Chloe Mooney, 11, said she was "excited" to meet the Lord Mayor and enjoyed colouring and practising songs for the party.

Daily Echo: Chloe Mooney, Julie Honeit, Louis Still, Sophia Lewis, Flic Freestone, and Finn Carmen-Hesp.Chloe Mooney, Julie Honeit, Louis Still, Sophia Lewis, Flic Freestone, and Finn Carmen-Hesp. (Image: Daily Echo, Emily Liddell)

Fellow pupil, Julie Honeit, also 11, said she couldn't wait to meet everyone and Louis Still said he was looking forward to the big school assembly.

Eleven-year-old Flic Freestone said: "We have had SATs this week but we are very excited to see everyone.

"We have done lots of colouring and we have lots of bunting up."

Finn Carmen-Hesp said he has been busy with his SATs but has enjoyed the preparations.

Katie Furby, the assistant headteacher, said: "We're celebrating the school's 70th Birthday, we have been open for 70 years.

"Seventy years ago we had a big opening with the Lord Mayor and we wanted to replicate that.

Daily Echo: The Lord Mayor Jacqui Raymont meeting the Beechwood Primary School choir.The Lord Mayor Jacqui Raymont meeting the Beechwood Primary School choir. (Image: Daily Echo, Emily Liddell)

"The children have been building up to it for months, we have done lots of different competitions, lots of activities, painting the murals.

"Everyone has been involved and we wanted it to be a whole community event.

"We've been flooded with memories of people who have been part of the school.

"The children have loved getting to know what the school was like before.

"It's really important for them to learn where their school has come from and what they're part of.

"They are part of a much bigger community that has been going for 70 years."