PUPILS were moving to the sounds of rock and roll and pop during a Little Lever school celebration yesterday.

The pupils and staff were celebrating Mytham Primary School’s 50th birthday with a parade of dance covering the decades since the school was opened.

The Mayor of Bolton Cllr Elaine Sherrington attended the anniversary event where she saw pupils from all year groups acros the school performing dances to the music of everything from the Beatles to Abba and beyond.

The mayor saw a parade of the children including her own grandchildren William and Edward Simpkins who are pupils at the school.

She also unveiled a mural, which was designed by the children and spray painted by urban graffiti artist Kazer. The artist had been involved in a series of workshops with the children.

The effort was part of a successful Heritage Lottery bid spearheaded by teacher Nicola Robinson after which she set up a history project on the school with Bolton Museums and Library Service.

Head teacher Angela Bogle said: “Mrs Robinson set up a history society made up of children from across the school who have since been doing research including working with staff from the school’s museum service.

“We have invited past pupils to come and tell us about their experiences and we have had a great response with some of the pupils belonging to the history society doing the interviews.”

The pupils also set up individual groups to research aspects of school life including ‘crime and punishment and how it differed from when the school was first opened. They pupils were also able to understand how technology had changed from typewriters and telephones to computers and mobiles.

Mrs Bogle added: “We have also created an exhibition and there will be a school Open Afternoon on Tuesday, June 19, from 1pm to 5pm, when all former pupils are invited to attend.”