Primary school pupils were treated to a bumper birthday bash to make up for lost time.

Due to extensive time away from the classroom a celebration was held for 70 children at St Peter's Infants, Rochester.

Joanna Worrall, deputy head teacher, was determined the little ones were given a day to remember.

A bouncy castle and fairground games, a visit from Elsa and Spiderman, jelly, cakes, ice cream and goody bags all helped to make it a massive celebration at the Holcombe Road school.

Mrs Worrall said: "We had some funds left over from our Christmas fair back in 2019 which would have gone on trips and things for the school. And from then it just spiralled."

The school was also decorated with balloons, bunting and banners with a rainbow theme, all recognising the efforts of frontline staff.

A Facebook request had been posted for birthday cards and they were deluged with 167 greetings from as far away as New Zealand, America and Canada.

Pupils swapped their uniforms for their best glad rags and each received a gift on arrival.

Mum Justine Pullen made every child a commemorative cupcake and they created bookmarks and keyrings to take home.

Another highlight was a a visit from an ice cream van serving super Mr Whippy-style cones.

Mrs Worrall added: "It was the best ever day, a six-hour back-to-back party.

"At the end of it they didn't want to go home. It was certainly a day to remember."

St Peter's, which is one of the smallest and oldest schools in Rochester, was threatened with closure in 2009.

Thousands signed a petition and lobbied council meetings to protest about a plan to shut it as part of cost cutting.

And thanks to the campaign launched by parents, staff and pupils, St Peter's was saved.

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