A BLACKPOOL school marked its 40th anniversary this week with a special day of celebrations.

Park School on Whitegate Drive held an assembly, attended by Blackpool Mayor Councillor Sue Wright and her consort Stan Wright, comparing educational and community life 40 years ago with today.

Pupils, staff, governors and associates of the school also received a souvenir limited edition mug designed by Steven King, a year nine pupil at the school.

The anniversary also heralds the start of a £300,000 building project, funded by government and the local education authority, to replace the infants' temporary classrooms. The new building will house a soft play area and sensory room, and the school has also launched an anniversary appeal for £10,000 to help buy specialist equipment.

Headteacher Keith Berry said: "It's pleasing that specialist provision is viewed as a priority by the LEA. It means we will increase our potential to meet the needs of the children."

A sensory room would help children learn in different ways, and boost their communication skills, he said.

He added: "The children are very excited. There's a lot of hard work gone in to mark what is an important occasion in the life of the school. Here's to the next 40 years!"