PUPILS at Hook CP School have taken home a very special gift to mark the establishment’s 100 year anniversary.

The school has organised numerous events and projects to mark its centenary, which took place on March 17 and was marked with a celebratory assembly, featuring special guests and past pupils - the oldest of whom to attend was Ethel Gordon, who started her education on March 3, 1924.

Last week, every child received a limited edition model coal wagon, specially made for the centenary and designed to remind the youngsters of the heritage of their school and the village of Hook.

“We spent some time as a staff thinking about what to get the children to mark the anniversary,” said headteacher Mr Nick Allen. “We were having a look on-line and we happened to come across a model railway carriage. We got in touch with Michael Martin of West Wales Wagon Works, and he used his contacts with model makers Dapol to get a limited run of 150 special carriages made.”

Every carriage is individually numbered, and as well as being marked “Hook Anthracite Colliery Company” they all bear the name of the school’s first headmaster, Gwillym Rhys Jones, and the dates of the school’s opening and 100th year. The 100th carriage will be kept by the school.

“Anthracite is integral to the history of this village and this school. In this area, it’s always been known as black diamonds,” said Mr Allen. “Many of our pupils, their parents and their grandparents attended this school, so the majority of families will truly value the gift.”

Mr Allen’s sentiment seemed to be spot on, as pupil Joe Young excitedly said to him: “My grampy said he would like one of these!”