YOUNGSTERS bellowed hip hip hooray as a primary school began its 125th birthday celebrations.

The children from Ombersley Endowed First School read extracts from logbooks, listened to tales from ex-pupils, and sang hymns to honour the milestone.

Headteacher Gill Nixon said it was the first year they had celebrated the school's life but hoped to have a "founders' day" every year.

"Old pupils came down to the church to talk about their school memories," she said. "Children, parents, governors and trustees alike joined in with hymns wearing special red button holes."

The five to nine-year-olds joined in a resounding "three cheers" before trooping back to school for a party last Friday. They enjoyed cake after playing games and dancing in their individually created party hats.

"We hope to mark this occasion every year from now on," said Mrs Nixon.