ONE of the oldest primary schools in Lancashire has celebrated its 300th anniversary.

Pupils and staff at Brennand's Endowed Primary School in Slaidburn held a three-day open celebration to mark the occasion.

Youngsters took part in maypole and country dancing, and learned about different points in history surrounding the school.

Pupils also built a time capsule and added letters, pictures and newspaper cuttings which is set to be opened in 100 years time, in 2117.

A stone commemoration seat was unveiled by the oldest surviving pupil, William Brown, 91.

Sarah Healey, the Church Street school's headteacher, said the anniversary has been a great occasion for the pupils.

She said: "The children have loved looking back at their school and how things changed over the years.

"We had pupils dressed in Victorian clothing and other different periods of time, it was great.

"The school has great facilities and has had many amazing staff members which have helped make this school so successful."

An extensive exhibition of old photographs from the schools long history was put together by the Slaidburn Archive.

The school was built in 1717 after a well-known resident at the time, John Brennand, died and left around £200 in his will for the school to be built.

Mrs Healey said: "Lets hope the school will last at least another 300 years.

"I checked to see if the school was in the country but there was a school down south from 1545.

"We are one of the oldest primary schools in Lancashire, if not the oldest."