A DALE secondary school, celebrating its 60th anniversary, opened its doors to residents for a festive afternoon tea and entertainment.
Pupils and staff at Staindrop Academy organised a community afternoon tea as part of “low-key” activities to mark the school’s birthday.
Paul Marwood, deputy headteacher said: “Although we are celebrating our 60th anniversary we decided to do in a low key way.
“One of the things we wanted to do was get more involved with the community and we thought we would have the community afternoon tea for Christmas.”
Guests were entertained by the school’s recently formed choir who, accompanied by young musicians, performed a variety of festive tunes and carols while members of the school’s student leadership team served up refreshments.
Among the guests was vicar of St Mary’s Church, in Staindrop, the Revd Eileen Harrop. She said: “It is wonderful that the school with the church can reach out to the community in this sort of way.
“It is really wonderful to partner with the school and to recognise that we have a common purpose in serving the community and it is lovely to see members of three of my four parishes here.
“The choice of selecting the date for this community afternoon tea is perfect.
“Today (December 6) is the feast of St Nicholas and everyone knows him these days as Santa Claus,” she added.
“The spirit of generosity and community is evident here in this afternoon tea at the school.”
Headteacher Sarah Mitchinson said the school hoped to do more events of a similar nature in the future.
She added: “This one was important, given it’s our 60th anniversary and it’s lovely to celebrate this with so many residents who will have seen many changes at the school over the years since it opened.”
