PROUD pupils wore their uniforms with smiles as they celebrated the rich heritage of their beloved school.
Laceby Stanford Junior and Infants School enjoyed their annual Founders' Day celebration at St Margaret's Church, honouring 283 years since their school opened.
Children sang hymns and songs and the Stanford String Quartet performed the Stanford Parade to an audience of teachers, former teachers and members of the Stanford Trust – showing the spirit of Philip and Sarah Stanford, who left the money and land to build the original school in Laceby, lives on to this day.
Head teacher Mark Wrigley is keen their legacy continues through the school and its pupils.
He said: "We believe very strongly in our school's history and we will always celebrate it. It is so important we don't forget its roots.
"This is a much-loved tradition that is going to keep going.
"The pupils have worked so hard to make today special. They have done brilliantly and have made us all proud."
The Stanfords' story is both tragic and inspirational. In the early 1700s they owned the College Farm, in High Street – which is still there to this day – along with other land inherited from Philip's father.
Sadly, the couple's two children both died in infancy and when Philip died in 1712, the money and land was left to Sarah, who set up the Stanford Trust.
Following her death, all money and lands were invested or used to provide a school for local poor children and is now used to provide grants to all children living in Laceby, Irby, Aylesby, Bradley or Barnoldby-le-Beck along with funding school equipment.
Last year, the trust gave out £5,500 to 16 young people, including 13 university students and three apprentices.
Chairman Brian Lingard said: "To help that many young people makes us feel very proud, and I am sure Sarah and Philip themselves would be proud to see it continue.
"All we want is continued improvement of the school for the pupils, because that is what we are here for."
On leaving the church, each pupil was handed a 5p coin by Mr Lingard.
Morgan Lawson, 11, and school pal Chloe Bates, 10, were among them.
Morgan said: "Today means a lot. We think Sarah and Philip were very nice people".
Chloe added: "It makes me feel impressed we are part of their school."
The celebration made Kimberly Measom, 8, and Ruby Watson, 7, very happy.
Kimberly said: "I enjoyed the singing and the viola playing."
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