PUPILS turned back the clock and put up with lessons in silence to say a Victorian farewell to their school in Gillingham.

Calculators and computers were kept well-hidden as staff and pupils dressed up in traditional Victorian costumes to re-enact how life would have been like when Forge Lane Infant School first opened its doors in 1872.

The 102 boys and girls were separated for their silent woodwork and cooking lessons and had to obey strict instructions to stand up whenever a teacher entered the classroom.

The Victorian Day was the final celebration for the school before it closes at the end of term.

Forge Lane Infants School is to merge with Hillyfields Junior School to become Saxon Way Primary School at the Hillyfields site.

The celebrations on Friday also included the school throwing open its doors to former pupils and staff with a Victorian Fair.

About 100 visitors had a go at maypole dancing, tried their luck on the coconut shy, ate toffee apples, as well as having a last look inside the classrooms they once sat in.

Head teacher Elizabeth Caldwell said: "It was an incredibly sad day for everyone associated with the school, but we have to look forward to the new school. We tried to make it as Victorian as we possibly could so the pupils could get a feel of what life was like when the school first opened.

"The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day, but I don't think they would want to sit in silence all the time. One day was probably their limit."