HAZLEHURST Primary School in Ramsbottom was officially opened this week after 100 years.

The completion of the Ramsbottom school was never formally celebrated back in November 1903. So, as part of its centenary year celebrations, pupils and staff staged their own Edwardian opening ceremony at the annual summer fair.

Deputy head Mr Geoff Eastwood said: "Mr Stuart Birtwell, the head teacher, as well as pupils dressed up in Edwardian costume. Two year 6 pupils acted as councillors. There was a fanfare at 2pm to start the official opening. After the speech given by the councillor on the podium, his 'wife' declared the school open by cutting the tape."

The school name has been the source of much confusion ever since it moved to the Hazelhurst area from Dundee Lane. Rumour has it that when work started on the school, workmen enjoyed a pub lunch before coming back to lay the foundation stone and accidentally swapping the L and the E in the school name.

"It is a rumour that has been going round for 100 years," said Mr Eastwood, "And we have kept the spelling Hazlehurst."

"Generations of the same family have passed through this school and I have found myself teaching children of parents I have taught. Many former pupils and staff attended the summer fair on Saturday (July 5). it was an excellent and a particularly special day. We raised in the region of £3,000 and usually we raise around £1,500 to £2,000."

During the summer fair a tree was planted in the memory of former head teacher Mr Alan Entwistle who died recently. The tribute was attended by Mr Entwistle's family.

Birthday celebrations continued on Wednesday (July 9) when a specially made cake was cut during a luncheon held for former and present staff and pupils of the school.

Former pupil Alice O'Donnell (94), is pictured cutting a celebratory cake watched by pupils Nathaniel Taylor and Chloe West, both aged ten.

Mr Eastwood, who has been at the school for 30 years, said: "There are displays around school illustrating the history of the school in photographs featuring pupils who have passed through the school. It is a special year for the school and there will more events to come in the build up to November.