A PRIMARY school is celebrating its 150th birthday.

Christ Church Pennington CE Primary School on West Bridgewater Street in Leigh opened on January 11, 1869.

A special service will be held at Christ Church Pennington on Schofield Street tomorrow, Friday, at 1.30pm to mark the landmark anniversary which will be led by Rev Alan Saunders.

Pupils and staff are set to join the service and wear costumes to reflect the style of dress from the 1860s.

Former classmates and staff are welcome to share their memories of the school at the service and other members of the community are invited to go too.

Christ Church Pennington CE Primary School head teacher Mrs Claire Hill said: "All the staff, governors and pupils are extremely proud of our school and this year provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate this milestone in style.

"We've been busy planning a number of events to help pupils learn more about our history and understand what life would have been like when school first opened.

"We'll share more details soon so please look out for dates being advertised on the school website."

The enthusiasm of Christ Church Vicar Rev J R Starey and Vicar of Astley Dr Hewlett in 1868 helped to raise enough money to build the school on a plot of land donated by the Bridgewater trustees.

Vicar of Christ Church Pennington Rev Alan Saunders added "The church and school have always had a strong bond and we will be working together to make this a year to remember."

In its first year the school was led by head teacher Mr George Mort and had 45 pupils.

Today, it has more than 200 pupils, supported by 30 staff.