A Harpenden school was joined by David Clarke, captain of Britain's Football blind five-a-side team, at their Golden Gala to celebrate 50 years.

The Grove Infant and Junior Schools in Southdown aimed for the biggest and best summertime gala the school has ever seen on Saturday, June 14, as organised by the school PTA including Julie Clement and Beth Curant.

Harpenden’s very own David Clarke, who has seen two children through the school, gave an inspiring opening speech to the fete and then later joined pupils in a ‘World Cup-themed’ football display.

David is the winner of three European Championship Golden Boots and scorer of 106 goals for England.

Vanessa Hogston, mother of two children at the school, said: "What an amazing day. This is the best event I’ve ever been to at the school, everyone has had the most fantastic time."

As well as rides, inflatables, a mini market, children’s fete games, a food court, treasure hunt and  jam-packed children’s arena, to specifically mark the school’s anniversary an exhibition displayed pictures and artefacts of the school over its 50 years and a balloon release to mark the golden occasion.

There was also music from the Harpenden Concert Band and Harpenden band The Electric Jellyfish and visits by local emergency services.

Anna Archer, infant school headteacher, said: "I thought it was really brilliant; so many people came and enjoyed themselves. There are not many schools, who can have as wonderful a PTA as us."

Maggie Clifford, junior school headteacher described her first fete at The Grove.

She said: "I was so pleased that the fact that it was our 50th birthday was reflected throughout the fete and by the amount of people that attended. I know everyone I spoke to was thrilled by the occasion.".

More than £8,000 was raised on the day on the day for the school.