A HIGH school celebrated its 60th anniversary in style with a garden party attended by former pupils and staff.

The Derby High School hosted the event in its school hall and outside STEAM garden (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) earlier this month.

Among the special guests at the diamond jubilee celebration was Edward Stanley, the 19th Earl of Derby, and the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Trevor Holt.

Dance, music and choral performances set the scene for an evening of excitement, featuring a variety of stallholders.

Throughout the evening, hundreds of visitors enjoyed entertainment, food and drink and artisan crafts, as well as a book bus, a maths escape room and a display of past events.

Headteacher Helen Hubert said: “Our diamond anniversary celebration was a phenomenal event.

"What a privilege it was to have past students and staff celebrate, both our heritage and see our amazing school in its modern setting.

"We were delighted that Lord Derby and the mayor could join us as special guests.

"Ultimately this is all about the incredible strength of our community and this has been harnessed wonderfully by the efforts of our director of arts, Mrs Provoost and our staff team.”

When it opened in 1950 as The Derby Grammar-Technical School, the site was one of the first establishments to pioneer the dual academic and vocational approach to secondary education.

In 1979, The Derby High School became a comprehensive, and then in 2003, it became the first science and arts college in the country.