WHEN Elton Primary School opened its doors in 1911, Bury’s skyline was filled with factory chimneys and the streets were covered in cobbles.

Many things have changed in the past 100 years, but the school has remained ever present on its site in Alston Street.

Now celebrations are about to get underway as its thousands of former pupils are invited back to celebrate the school’s centenary.

Headteacher Tony Emmott said: “Even though the school has changed enormously in the last 100 years, the fabric is still the same.

“I am looking forward to our visitors remembering some very happy times at our school over the years.”

The school opened on June 5, 1911, with an official ceremony held on June 23 officiated by Alderman L Fletcher, chairman of the elementary education sub-committee.

The Mayor of Bury was unable to attend as he was still in London, having attended the coronation of George V the previous day.

It was originally called Elton Council School and cost £11,350 to build. There was accommodation for 600 pupils in the mixed department and 300 pupils in the infants department.

The two schools, known as Elton Infant and Elton Junior, were amalgamated in September, 1982, because of declining numbers at both schools.

There are currently 285 pupils on roll, aged three to 11.

Due to this week’s half-term break, festivities to mark the centenary will take place on Friday, June 10.

The school will go back in time with an open day from 10.15am to 11.45am and from 1.30pm to 3pm.

Visitors can browse a museum set up in the school containing documents and artefacts linked to its history and staff and pupils will wear costumes from the period.

The Mayor of Bury, Councillor Yvonne Creswell, will attend, as well as former staff, pupils, parents and friends of the school.

Mr Emmott said: “We are really looking forward to the open day and meeting many people with long associations with the school.

“The centenary is a real opportunity to bring history to life for the children. The Edwardian open day and our mini museum will give children, staff and visitors a real insight into the history of the school.”