AN Eden community is set to turn out in force to celebrate the centenary of a village school through music and memories.

Tebay Community Primary School has sent invitations to every household in the former railway town ahead of a special event to mark its 100th anniversary.

When the sinking of the Titanic was making headlines, the small school’s first pupils began being taught in the hall by just one member of staff.

A century later, the school has expanded into four classrooms with 70-plus children mentored by 13 teachers.

The original building is used for PE lessons and doubles up as a lunchtime hall, while the grounds boast climbing frames and activity trails only dreamt about 100 years ago.

Celebrations to mark the occasion, on May 31, include a concert and memories of the school at 1.30pm in the Methodist Chapel, an open day for visitors to look around and meet ex-pupils and teachers and cream teas served all afternoon in the school hall.

Headteacher Tim Coleman said: “We have seen the school rise to very high standards with the support of the parents, a willing and hard-working staff and committed governors.

“It’s a vibrant and fun place to work, we are very close to the community and the children really enjoy being here.”

He added: “It will be a celebration for the whole community.”

Duncan Fairbairn, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for schools and learning, said: “Tebay Primary is a school right at the heart of the local community and has provided generations of children from the village and surrounding area with a good education.

“I’d like to congratulate the staff, pupils and parents on the hundredth anniversary and hope they enjoy the festivities to celebrate this landmark moment in the school’s history.”