PUPILS at Burford Primary School kept alive a 300-year tradition when they took home loaves of bread.

Thomas and John Collier, two Burford-born London merchants, left an annual sum of £2 12s so that 12 poor children in the town could have a loaf every Sunday. Burford Parish Council, which inherited the charity, decided that as there were no poor children in the parish, every child at the school should have a loaf once a year.

The children and headmaster Gordon Ottewell are pictured with their loaves, baked by Scotts Bakery, in 1975.

Mr Ottewell said: “Burford is rich in tradition and it is good that this one has not been allowed to fall by the way. What could be nicer than a wholesome crusty loaf baked by local craftsmen?”

Pupil Fiona Heard, 10, said: “I’m going to eat it all!”

Michael Cuss, eight, said: “It’s very tasty, but I’m saving a little bit for my mum.”