Soaring into the sky, balloons were released to mark the 50th anniversary of a secondary school.

A release of 50 balloons was one of the activities held to mark the golden jubilee of Farringdon Community School Sports College.

Tags were attached to the balloons so that anyone finding a balloon can return it to the school.

During the celebration day, headteacher Dave Thornton was joined by William Avery, who was the first pupil on the school register and the first head boy.

He helped host an assembly highlighting the events of the past 50 years at the school.

The Allendale Road school was filled with photographs and memorabilia from the past five decades, and to add an authentic feel to the day, pupils were urged to wear 1950s-style clothes, with prizes for the best outfits, or red knee-length socks which were part of the original uniform.

Throughout the week, the school had been inviting the community in to look around the building and see the old photographs.

Mr Thornton said: "It had been a really smashing celebration. Everyone has had a great time. A lot of the pupils came in 50s dress, especially the girls, wearing A-line skirts and neck scarves.

"It has been a really successful community event. A lot of people have been very grateful to us for organising the celebrations. We have had old school friends meeting up for the first time in years and people have loved spotting those they knew on the photographs."

The celebrations will continue into next week when the school has organised a reunion night to mark the anniversary.

From 6.30pm onwards on Wednesday, visitors will be able to share memories and look at old photos and video footage.

There will also be commemorative items for sale and refreshments will be served.

Any former student or staff member wishing to attend should contact the school office, tel: 553 6013. Tickets are free, but anyone wanting to attend must have one.