PUPILS and staff at Bewdley High School have been remembering the past and looking into the future this week as part of celebrations to mark its 50th anniversary.

The ribbon on a new £1.8 million art, design and technology block is officially being cut today by former teacher, Richard Rogers, to mark the milestone.

A host of former students and staff are joining people currently at the school to mark the opening of the building, which took 18 months to complete, with funding from Worcestershire County Council.

The state-of-the-art facilities, which pupils have been using since last autumn, boast the latest computers, software and equipment.

David Derbyshire, headteacher at the Stourport Road school for more than four years, said it had already made "a real impact".

He explained: "We are all delighted with the new building. There is more space and all the equipment available has been updated.

"It is obvious the students are enjoying a better learning experience since they have been using it.

"I hold the view that they respond better and learn more when they are given more to work with.

"That has certainly been the case in this instance."

A series of events and activities have been taking place throughout the week and the first pupil on the school's roll, Vera Milsom, will join revellers in a specially erected marquee on the grounds for a gala dinner tomorrow night.

Tickets are still available for the event. Past and present students will provide some of the entertainment and a fireworks display will light up the sky as part of the festivities.

For more information or to join in the celebrations, contact Dale Parmenter on 01299 250531.