CHILDREN and staff donned their best wartime clothes and released 300 red balloons to mark a century on since the start of World War One.

Sandgate School, at Sandylands Road, held a vintage tea party, complete with rations of cucumber or corned beef sandwiches, jam tarts and tea, to honour the centenary and to raise money for the school and Help for Heroes.

Senior teaching assistant Lynne Oldham said: “It was a huge success and everyone loved it.

“We had red balloons because of the colour of poppies, and the children and Kendal’s Deputy Mayor Chris Hogg released them.”

Every balloon released raised one pound so £300 will go towards Sandgate School’s mini bus, while £36.57 in donations will go to Help for Heroes, a charity which provides support for Britain’s wounded soldiers.

Three dance shows on the field opposite the school, live wartime music and an exhibition and presentation of First World War-inspired art work rounded off the school’s Arts Week.