PUPILS at a village primary school are to re-stage a procession that marked the opening of their school 40 years ago.

Youngsters in Bodicote will walk though the village just as children did in 1967 when Bishop Loveday School opened its classrooms for the first time.

In the 60s, Bodicote doubled in size and its existing Victorian school building next to the village church was not big enough for the influx of pupils - and was unsuitable for expansion.

Oxfordshire County Council suggested portable buildings, but Rev Donald Bishop, then the local vicar, decided a new school was needed.

Rev Bishop, described as a larger-than-life personality, began fundraising.

He raised £30,000 from the local community, and the Government added another £30,000.

On January 16, 1967, children left the old school for the last time and walked to the new school.

Today's pupils will repeat that journey for the 40th anniversary - and the Rev Bishop, now in his 80s, will journey from his Yorkshire home to walk with them.

The re-enactment of the procession will take place on Sunday January 14, and launch three days of celebrations.

Headteacher Linda Rowley, said: "Rev Bishop will come, weather permitting, take part in the procession, and speak at a special service in the school afterwards."

Mrs Rowley is appealing for former pupils and anyone one else with a link to the school, to join in the partying.

Seats at the special service can be reserved by contacting the school on 01295 263157.

Mrs Rowley said: "The celebrations will include tours of the school, birthday cakes, and reminiscences of past pupils and staff on the Monday and Tuesday. And on Tuesday the 400 pupils will form a ring around the school to give it a hug."

School governor Rev Ben Phillips said: "I am delighted the school is marking this anniversary, and that Rev Bishop will travel from Halifax to be with us."

He said: "£30,000 was a lot of money in those days, and Rev Bishop had to be very persistent to achieve his target."