THE WHOLE community is being invited along to help celebrate a Dorchester school's 50th anniversary.

The event is set to go with a bang with a host of entertainment for all ages lined up to mark 50 years of St Mary's Catholic First School.

The spectacular fireworks evening on Friday, March 3 will see former teachers and pupils turn out in force to reminisce but organisers from the schools Parent Teacher Association (PTA) are stressing that it is also open to the wider community of the county town.

Simon Joslin, a member of the PTA who also attended the school 40 years ago, said: "It's for everybody because the school has been part of the community for the last 50 years."

The PTA have been busy organising the evening of entertainment and are keen to see as many people as possible turn out to support the school and all it has done over the years.

Children at the school have also been busy marking the 50th anniversary, with a special wall mural featuring the school motto 'Be All You Can Be' and the fingerprints of each child created while they have also had an arts week with a 1960s theme.

Headteacher Paula Fearn said it was great to mark the 50th anniversary year, with a number of parents and members of the teaching staff being former pupils.

She also said the fireworks evening will be a great occasion to celebrate with the local community and it promised to be a special evening for all to enjoy.

Mrs Fearn, who had been deputy since 2011, took over as headteacher in January last year when she replaced Jacki Clayton, who stepped down after nearly 40 years at the school.

St Mary's has occupied the same site in Lucetta Lane since it was first opened 50 years ago.

As well as fireworks, the event at the school will include a barbecue, milled wine and range of other refreshments on offer with gates opening at 6.30pm.

Tickets are available in advance from the school on 01305 262258 prices at £3.50 for adults, £2.50 for children or £10 for a family.

They will also be available on the night at £4 per adult, £3 per child and £12 for a family.

Proceeds from the event will go towards school equipment.