Past pupils and teachers shared fond memories of an East Finchley school as they celebrated its centenary year.

Guests were invited to explore their former classrooms at Martin Primary School in Plane Tree Walk as well as catch up with old friends last Saturday.

Ken Amphlett, 75, remembers his years at the school, from 1942 to 49, with pleasure. 

Mr Amphlett, who lives in New Barnet, said: “The school was a lot smaller than I remember – although I’ve grown a lot since then – and what did strike me was all the equipment they have now.

"The playground is full of play things and there's so much stuff in the classrooms – we just had desks in those days and that was it.

"It was very nostalgic to go back – it’s certainly a day to remember."

The school has seven Second Word War air raid shelters, which Mr Amphlett recalls using frequently.

He said: “I remember the siren going and marching out onto the field and into the shelter where the lessons continued. Nothing stopped for the war. I don’t remember it being scary but that was probably because I lived through the war and I didn’t know anything different – to me that was normal life.”

Mr Amphlett’s memories have been recorded by the school, as well as his schoolmates' and teachers’ recollections.

Governor Roger Chapman said: “It was extremely important for us to record local people’s history and the memories they have. For example when the former pupils are talking about the Second World War and the air raid shelters it really helps to bring history alive for the children at the school.

“It was a great way of celebrating our centenary.”

The school first opened in 1913 and is due to be expanded from two form entry to three form entry after planning permission was granted by Barnet Borough Council earlier this month.