PUPILS past and present got together at an Oxford school to mark its 150th anniversary.

Former pupils met their modern-day counterparts and shared memories of their school days at North Hinksey Primary School, in North Hinksey Lane.

Among those reminiscing was Michael Daniels, 82, a pupil at the school from 1930 to 1936.

Mr Daniels, from Cowley, went back for the first time since his school days.

He said: "It was a lot different then. We had to walk to school, but it did not take too long because most of us used to run because we only came from Botley down to here.

"The teachers were more strict than now, they were allowed to give us the cane, although I never got it because I was a good boy!"

He added: "Once we were all sitting along the bench smoking and a teacher saw all the smoke coming up and we had to stay inside at every play time and write lines - we thought she was going to tell our parents, but she didn't."

But the punishment did the trick - Mr Daniels is not a smoker.

Current pupil Libby Huggins, seven, said: "I think school is more colourful than it was then. We use computers every day and interactive whiteboards.

"I think it would have been harder back then. The best thing here is that you learn lots of different things."

The school traced ex-pupils through the website Friends Reunited and got in touch with former teachers and staff for the celebrations on Saturday.

Ex-pupils shared stories and brought in photos and memorabilia as part of the school's quest to create a detailed archive of its past.

Maurice Tubb, headteacher from 1978 to 1995, said: "The children were always enthusiastic and interested and the parental support was excellent."

Current head Sally Wheatley said: "This was a wonderful opportunity for everyone who has any connection with the school to see how it's changed through the years."

Two further open days for ex-pupils and members of the community take place to mark the anniversary on Wednesay and Thursday, from 9.15am until 1pm, and the school is holding an anniversary pageant, featuring pupils dressed from Victorian times to the present day, on Thursday, April 24, at the King's Centre, Osney Mead, Oxford.