THIS was clearly a happy school, judging by the number of smiling faces.

These were the pupils at the village school at Lewknor, near Thame, in 1938 or 1939.

The picture comes from Rita Scrace, of Elms Rise, Botley, Oxford.

Mrs Scrace, whose maiden name was Bull, lived with her parents at Adwell Cottages on the A40, about a mile west of Postcombe.

The cottages still exist, although the M40 now runs close to their back fence.

Pictured are, back row, left to right: Lilly Sawyer, Gladys Reece, Willie Sawyer, Olive Gomm, Rene Sawyer, Gwen Witney, Dorothy Duffield, Barbara Gregory, Peggy Collins, Iona Amour, Mrs Scott (headteacher).

Fourth row: Leonard Rixon, Ronnie King, Rowland Rixon, Ken Witney, Bert Collins, Tom Howlett, Billy Fletcher, Peter Feezey, Ray Stiles, Joe Timms, Horace Carter.

Third row: Iris Rixon, Linda Rixon, Midge Howlett, Barbara Austin, Sheila Batten, Velma Rose, Beryl King, Hillary Scott, Pamela Turner, Ruby Hufton, Betty Howlett, Jean Timms.

Second row: Barbara Rixon, Olive Belson, Heather Scott, Doreen Avery, Eileen Weatherall, Sylvia Smith, Daphne Parker, Audrey Fletcher, Rita Bull.

Front row: Fred Messenger, Louis Jones, Victor Sawyer, John State, Michael Holland, Don Barrett, David Austin, Ronnie Cox, Gerald Martin, Ken Parslow.