FIFTY years after becoming the first child to cross the threshold of Marlborough School in Falmouth, Owen James, now a headteacher, was back on Friday to join in the school's anniversary celebrations.

Mr James, with the help of Marlborough's youngest pupil, Ifor, cut a birthday cake, topped by a Packet ship, and recalled the excitement of his first day at the new school, which was opened in September, 1964.

"My family lived in Kings Avenue and my mum thought I could walk to school from there," he said. "I thought that if I left very early that first day, I could be the first ever child here so I scuttled down the road. Miss Young (the head teacher) was in the porch with the caretaker Mr Webber - they were just opening this absolutely beautiful school."

Joining Mr James at Friday's celebrations was his former classmate Michael Brown, who now lives in Truro, but was one of the first intake of the school. He said returning to the school had "taken 50 years off me."

After the speeches and cake cutting, the school opened its doors to former pupils and family and friends of current pupils who were invited to bring along memorabilia of their own and browse newspaper cuttings and old photographs on display.

The previous day, the school held a day of celebrations for the current pupils, their families and staff. Held on the school field, it began with Marlborough's Got Talent, when children got to show off their skills and talents, and was followed by a ceilidh which saw families enjoying live music and refreshments on a perfect summer's evening.

Head teacher, Richard Gambier, said: "What a glorious afternoon and evening Thursday turned out to be. Everyone worked to make the event very memorable - the entertainment the children gave us all afternoon

was wonderful and matched by the evening’s choirs and bands. The activities and refreshments and the safe freedom of the field all contributed to a brilliant success that reflected the school’s character and our strength of community."

* Although Marlborough School was opened to pupils in 1964, it did not receive its official opening until October 1966 when Prime Minister Harold Wilson visited. The new school was built after Trevethan School was bombed during the war. The school was moved to a "temporary" home at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Falmouth, but was to remain there for 25 years.