PUPILS past and present gathered to say a fond farewell to a school that is set to close its doors after more than 60 years.

A special open day was held at Damers First School, Dorchester giving the community the chance to pay one last visit to the school before it moves to a new building in Poundbury after 62 years on Damers Road.

The event on Saturday was attended by former and current teachers and pupils who shared their experiences and memories of the school.

Headteacher Catherine Smith said it was “fantastic” to see so many people at the event.

“It was a pleasure to stand on the door and hear the conversations as people were coming in,” said Ms Smith. “I remember walking through the doors on my first day and thinking ‘this is where I want to be.’ It's a special school. This is a special time for this community and this is a celebration of this building.”

Some of the school’s classrooms were redesigned to replicate how they would’ve looked in the 50s, 60, 70s, 80s and 90s.

The history of the school and its pupils was displayed in the main hall which was packed with photographs.

The school cost just £40,000 to build in 1955 and, said Ms Smith, the pupils are looking forward to moving in to a new, £10m school in Poundbury in the coming weeks.

Former pupil Clive Hoddinott, who attended between 1955-59, travelled from Warwickshire to be at the event.

“We were the first class to go right the way through the four years,” he said. “We usually have a reunion once every year but obviously not here. It’s very sad that the school’s going. We understand why, of course, but it’s very sad.

“It’s a shame some of the teachers are not still around but I have seen a few people I remember, including people who were on the same football team.”

Former pupil Nick Worsley was the first child to set foot in the school back in 1955.

“I was 10,” he said. “Me and my brother thought we would get to school early as it was the first day and there would be lots of people. But nobody came until it was very near to start so I was the first pupil inside.”

In recognition of this, Nick has been invited to switch off the school’s lights and be the last person to leave when it finally closes its doors.

Former deputy head Jane Taylor said she had a “lovely time” at the school and was pleased to see many of the people she taught at the event.

Former pupil Jeremy Pretty said he had “mixed feelings” about the event.

“I have happy memories,” said Jeremy. “But in a way, because it was so long ago, it brings you up short a bit. It’s bringing memories back from when I was little.”

Both Jeremy and Nick mentioned “inspirational” teacher John Litson.

Nick said: “He was the only teacher who made an impression on me for the rest of my life. He cared about pupils as individuals. I have fond memories."