A DARWEN primary school has lined up a year of events as it celebrates its 100th birthday.

Ashleigh Primary School, in Ross Street, opened as Spring Bank Secondary Council Secondary School in August 1914.

And 100 years later, although now catering for young children, the building continues its rich heritage of educating Darwen’s youngsters.

Bosses at the school plan to host a series of open days in which past pupils can take a look at what the school has become, and to reminisce.

There will also be a celebratory ball and a summer barbecue.

Headteacher Ian Matthews said: “We are organising a number of open days in the summer and autumn terms.

“This will give past pupils and staff of Ashleigh Primary and Spring Bank Secondary Modern the opportunity to see again where they spent their childhoods or teaching careers.

“Our very active PTFA, ‘the Friends of Ashleigh’, is arranging a celebration ball, black-tie, probably in October.

“There will also be a summer barbecue or fair in June. Anyone with a link to the school, either current or past, can meet up with old friends and new.

“Within school, the children will be learning about all the events the building has lived through since 1914, including the start and end of both world wars.

“We are delighted to be able to work with people on researching the history of the school.

“This research will enable teachers to really bring the history of the school alive to our pupils during themed weeks.”

Any past pupils or staff who would like to find out more about the celebration and keep up to date with events can do so on a specially created Facebook page called ‘Spring Bank County School’, or they can email springbank1914@gmail.com Mr Matthews said: “The current staff and children would love to hear some of the memories people have from years gone by.

“As a school, we are looking forward to sharing some of the fantastic things we do, with the people who have made what Ashleigh is today.”