A founding pupil helped bury a time capsule in an event to mark 60 years since the school was opened.

The capsule, which contained photographs and letters written by pupils, was buried around 10.30am today (May 15) on the grounds of Nightingale Primary School, in Ashbourne Avenue, South Woodford.

Mary Seymour, who lived in Monmouth Avenue but has since moved to Southend, said it was the first time she had returned to the school since leaving in the early 1960s.

The 65-year-old retired teacher said: “It is amazing to be back and I see they still wear the same colour uniform of maroon and blue.

"The area is really different, many of the houses which surround the school site are new. 

“I started at the school in early 1955 and it has doubled in size since then from two to four forms of entry, there used to be only eight members of staff and a secretary.

“My love of music started here when I learnt to play the recorder and the violin, this is something that has stayed with my throughout my life.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Headteacher Caz Langbridge lowers the capsule into the ground.

Redbridge council cabinet member of education, Cllr Elaine Norman, also attended the event which saw the capsule buried next to the building site of two new reception classrooms.

The new build, which was started in January this year, is expected to be finished by the end of the month.

Headteacher Caz Langbridge said: “We wanted to celebrate 60 years of the school’s founding with this special event.

“Mrs Seymour contacted the school and told us she was a pupil here 60 years ago and had kept pictures and old school books.

“We are delighted to welcome her here today.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Former pupil Mary Seymour (centre) with Cllr Elaine Norman (right), headteacher Caz Langbridge (back right) and pupils of Nightingale Primary School.