THE launch of 100 balloons signalled it was time to celebrate a school's landmark anniversary — with an abseil down a clock tower.

Bolton School celebrated its 100 and 500 year anniversaries with a Family Festival — with one of the highlights being more than 50 daredevils abseiling down the landmark clock tower.

This year and next year the school is celebrating 100 years of the Foundation on its present site and 500 years of Bolton School.

Attractions included a wide range of stalls, games — including guess how many balloons are in the headmaster's car — and activities, as well as birds of prey exhibition, reptiles, and music performances.

Parent governor and organiser Helen Critchlow, said: “What a fantastic day.

"I never dreamed it would work out so well. The weather was kind, the turnout great, and every single event ran smoothly, professionally and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

"There was a real atmosphere of family enjoyment across an event that catered for all age groups. So a huge thank you to everyone, a brilliant team effort led to a very successful event which showed Bolton School at its best."

There was music by the School Jazz Band, a set by school rock bands Parallel Oreos and Young Ruin as well as performances from ensembles and solo artists.

During the afternoon, a 100/500 food can sculpture was built with all the products being donated to Urban Outreach after the event.

The winners of the Bolton School Bake Off competition were also announced.

Girls’ division Headmistress Sue Hincks said: “It is wonderful that the whole Foundation has come together to celebrate our 100th birthday and to raise money for different parts of the school so that all our children can benefit from what we have achieved together.”

Mr Philip Britton, headmaster of the boys' division, added: “I offer my sincere thanks to everyone involved in the Family Festival; it was a wonderful afternoon, with a great feel to it and everyone I spoke to on the afternoon felt it was tremendously successful.”