PAST and present pupils of Mary Tavy and Brentor Primary will get together at a major event next month to mark the school's 175th anniversary.

The school's first pupils sat at their desks back in 1836 — the year naturalist Charles Darwin was on his voyage of scientific discovery on HMS Beagle, Davy Crockett and fellow fighters were battling at the Siege of the Alamo in Texas, and a young Victoria had yet to accede to the throne.

Now pupils of the 21st century are hoping to get together with parents, staff, governors and former pupils for a day of celebrations on Friday July 15 at the school.

Visitors are invited in to school at 10.30am to watch the children take part in a moving 'timeline', followed by a chance to watch lessons through the ages between 11am until 11.40am.

Pupils can choose to dress in clothes from one of three periods: the Victorian era, the second world war or the 1960s and 1970s.

In the afternoon, past pupils and staff will talk to small groups of children and visitors about their time at the school.

At 2.30pm, the formal part of the day will take place with pupils meeting West Devon?MP Geoffrey Cox and borough council mayor Donald Horn.

If anyone would like to send in any written memories of their time at the school, please contact the school on 01822 810384 or email [email protected]">[email protected] for further information.

It is planned to have a display of photographs, artefacts, written memories and current children's work on display throughout the day.

The school is still housed in the original building, although, obviously, many improvements have taken place over the years.

It takes pupils from a wide area — there were once schools in Brentor itself, Peter Tavy and at Blackdown, said headteacher Nicky Pratten.

In an invitation to past pupils, parents, staff and governors, she said: 'We are very proud of our school and all our achievements over the past 175 years and we would like to share our day with you.'