There were celebrations at one of Pembrokeshire's oldest schools on Friday.

Pupils and staff at Penally VC School commemorated the school's 130th anniversary by thowing the doors open to the local community for a special open afternoon.

The highlight of the afternoon, attended by local residents, past pupils and staff, parents and friends, was the unveiling of the remounted old school bell, which had been removed following an extension to the school in the year 2000.

Incidentally, the bell, which was unveiled on Friday by chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Clr. Mickey Folland, had also been remounted by the then headteacher, Mr. Colin Griffith, for the school's centenary celebrations in 1973.

Also as part of the festivities, which saw pupils and staff dress in Victorian costumes, a birthday cake, made by Penally Abbey Hotel, was cut by immediate past headteacher, Mrs. Julie Mathias, while during the afternoon, guests were entertained by the pupils with some role play involving Victorian 'drill', folk dancing, playground games and a classroom lesson using slates for handwriting.

A wall display mapped the rich historical development of the school as a 'time-line', from its original in the local church of St. Nicholas and St. Teilo in the early 1850s to the building of a 'National' school in 1873 and through 130 years to the present day.

Of particular interest was the contrast made between the traditional, historical work of the school to that of the present by some older pupils demonstrating computer control technology in the junior classroom.

Acting head, Mr. Graham Doney, said: "We were so pleased with the large numbers of people who visited the school, not only for the 'bell ceremony', but for all those who stayed on later to look at what the children were doing and to view the various displays.

"This demonstrated clearly how much support there is for the school in the local area and the high level of community spirit that exists. The response from all who attended was wonderful and the school would like to express their sincere gratitude to everyone who helped in making the celebration day, a truly great success.

"The pupils were fantastic and they should remember the occasion as a very special day in their time at Penally School.

"One main concern though was whether the birthday cake, made by Penally Abbey Hotel, would be big enough as it proved so popular, but fortunately, they had thought ahead and two were baked for the occasion.

During the afternoon, a continuous interactive CD presentation generated a great deal of interest. This consisted of a compilation of picture images and video clips of the children in Victorian costumes along with other pictures of past pupils and images of the school.

The intention of the CD was not only to show off the pupils as part of the school's Victorian display, but to make the CD available as a souvenir of the event.

The school now hopes to add more pictures from the 130th anniversary celebrations and make the CD available, at a small cost, to all parents and local residents.

Anyone unable to attend the celebrations on Friday, but would like to view the commemoration displays is asked to contact the school to arrange a visit.