HAMSTERS, toads, ring doves, a cockerel and a tortoise or two attended St Mary Magdalene’s School in Accrington, back in 1955.

Pet-loving Mr G A Bland introduced more than 30 animals and birds, as well as cold water and tropical fish to the classes after he became headmaster.

And he said that every one of the pets was helping pupils with their education.

“It is the practical approach to nature study and simple biology,” he told the Northern Daily Telegraph.

“Besides increasing their knowledge, the animals give the children a sense of responsibility and in some cases, soothe nervous pupils.”

Most of the bigger pets were kept in the school basement, after the walls were painted by pupils, although classes also all had their own pets.

Class 5, for instance, for infant and nursery youngsters, had two budgerigars, five goldfish and an indoor garden.

Often the budgies were let out of their cages during school hours, but the pupils were so used to them landing on their desk, it didn’t put them off their lessons. The youngsters and staff had also built a miniature seaside in a corner of the basement, with sand brought in from Lytham and there was also a tiny sailing pool.

Said Mr Bland: “What next? I think we shall have a few piglets, but it will be heartbreaking when we have to kill them...”

  • Did you go to St Mary Magdalene’s and can you remember the pets corner?

Do you have any stories of when the piglets escaped, or have you kept a photograph from that time?