A STEP back in time was on the cards for past and present pupils of a Southampton school when they celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Banister Infant School in Banister Gardens first opened its doors in 1953 and current pupils got a feel of the old days when they held a 1950s day, all dressing in clothes from the time.

Past pupils were invited to visit the school as part of the celebrations and were treated to a tour of the premises, a display of old photos and a buffet lunch.

Governor Mac Bride, who helped to organise the event, said it was a huge success. He said: "We had about 20 visitors who were former pupils of the school, including seven or eight from the very first intake in 1953. We also had Miss Hoare there, who was the head teacher from 1960 to 1973.

"We had an exhibition of pictures from the 1950s and early 1960s that the school had collected, some were contributed by old pupils and we contrasted them with some of the new pictures.

"We also had a display of what was in the area before."

Visitors were given a tour of the school to see how it runs and functions today before visiting the local servicemen's club for a buffet lunch.

Mr Bride added: "It's nice to see how much it's changed and how much it's stayed the same."