STUDENTS, staff and families came together at Redstart Primary to celebrate the school’s 25th anniversary.

Children celebrated the occasion with a big display of the number 25 made with cupcakes.

Pupils also enjoyed a number of different activities throughout the day, including a picnic lunch on the field.

In the evening, the school opened for former staff, friends and governors, as well as pupils who attended between 1991 and 2007.

The primary school, which is in Redstart Road, Chard, was first opened by the then mayor of Chard, Brian Mooney.

It was a brand new school for this part of Chard and was named after a rare sighting of a Redstart bird sitting on the original building site.

Since then, thousands of children have been educated at the school and it has added a production kitchen and an extension to replace temporary classrooms.

Chris Hunt, the head teacher of school, said: “Having joined The Redstart Primary School as a class teacher in January 1991 when the building first opened its doors, I cannot be more delighted to be part of this special celebration.

“I have been privileged to watch the school grow and develop.

“The school has flourished during the last 25 years and we are all very thrilled and proud to be able to share our achievements.”

The school was judged Outstanding in 2014 and it now leads a local partnership to support other schools and a teaching alliance in the region.

Jill Shortland, OBE, one of the school’s first governors, also opened the newly refurbished library with a performance from the choir. Visitors were all asked to donate a book inscribed with a message.

Suzanne Flack, executive principal of the Redstart Learning Partnership, added: “During my 14 years with the school it has been my privilege and pleasure to see the school flourish into the dynamic, vibrant school it is today.”