The 1970s may not count as 'history' for people over a certain age, but for youngsters at one school the unfamiliar decade came to life last week with a special celebration.

Hethersett Woodside Infant and Nursery School was opened on January 11, 1974 by then education minister Margaret Thatcher.

Fortieth anniversary activities included a community open event which former pupils and teachers attended, an exhibition detailing the school's history, a 70s dress-up day and celebration assembly and cake.

Headteacher Nicola Cushion, who has been at the school for four years, said Mrs Thatcher had opened the school because it had been a unique building.

'It was a very innovative school for the 1970s because it's got 10 sides so the hall is in the centre and all the classrooms come off it,' she said.

'It makes us very special because it's got a heart and everyone is very much joined. We've had to grow and develop and add bits but it's a lovely school.'

The highlight of last week for many of the children was a satchel which was 'found' in the school full of 1970s items such as an old exercise book, toys and a photograph of a class of children from 1974.

Mrs Cushion added that pupils had been trying to solve who the bag belonged to and where it had come from.

'We've called the week Hethersett Woodside at 40 and it's definitely been a learning history project,' she said. 'What's been lovely is that if we'd done the Victorians none of us were alive so we'd have been doing it from learned experiences, but a lot of our staff and parents and grandparents were alive in the 1970s so have been able to talk about it.

'It's great for me because I've met so many past members of staff, and a lot of parents have been doing work at home and they've said how enjoyable it's been.'