These happy bankers look as if they have hit the jackpot – and, what’s more, they weren’t expecting any huge bonuses.

They were just delighted to be surrounded by so much cash.

Northway Middle School on the Northway estate in Headington, Oxford, had had some unwelcome visitors.

Burglars had broken into the school one weekend in 1979 and stolen teaching equipment worth more than £1,000.

It was the second time that the school had been raided – similar items had been stolen two years earlier.

However, staff and pupils refused to be downhearted.

They organised a school fete to help raise enough money to replace the teaching aids.

Teacher Avril Banton and pupils, left to right, Esther Smith, Edward Hoare and Frances Matthews are pictured above with the proceeds.

Oxford Mail photographer Chris Love captured them in their counting house counting out the money.

When they had added up the vast array of notes and coins, the total amount was £220.

That left them still some way short of their target, but at least it was a good start.

Further events were planned to bring in the rest of the money.

The children must have been frustrated at having to start fundraising again, after the previous break-in.

It was not the best time to expect support from parents and other wellwishers – the country was going through a financial squeeze and VAT had just gone up.

But deputy headteacher Ian Smith was optimistic. “We shall persevere,” he said.