A SCHOOL in Wiston has celebrated its 40th birthday with a church service and a party.

St Aidan's Church in Wales VA School celebrated its 40th birthday on September 14th with a service in St Mary's Church Wiston followed by a party and cakes in the school.

The birthday cake was made by Mrs Sue Lewis-James, a long serving governor of the school and was cut by the oldest and youngest pupils: Jake Barker and Archie Coleman.

The church was decorated with red balloons and parents, past pupils and previous employees came to support.

Pupils sang a variety of hymns and songs and spoke about how proud they were of the school and what made it special to them.

The headteacher Mrs Sarah James gave a speech to say how proud she was to be leading such a wonderful school, especially with pupils with such wonderful manners and personalities.

She also thanked the parents and Governors for their support, as well as the longest serving member of staff, Mr Seimon Morris who joined the school in 1985.

The chair of Governors, Mrs Helen Coleman, also gave a speech thanking the staff for their long continued support of the school – having herself been a pupil 37 years ago.

The school was opened by the Archbishop of Wales, Gwilym Williams, in 1977 when Clarbeston CP and Llawhaden VP were amalgamated and since then it has seen 5 head teachers pass through its doors.

The school has undergone various building extensions over the years and is entering a new chapter from September as it has begun to admit part-time 3-year-old pupils.