A GRAVESEND junior school has celebrated its 50th anniversary with only its third head teacher in charge.

Rosemary Dymond is currently in the hot seat of Riverview Junior School which was officially opened on April 17, 1963, when Eric Bacon was in charge.

Pupils of the 600-strong Cimba Wood school celebrated the milestone with tapestries depicting scenes from school life and a special 50th anniversary banner.

The school was built at the same time as the housing estate known as Riverview Park which was the largest estate in Europe at the time.

Mrs Dymond said: "There can be few schools who have only had three Headteachers but then that is explained by the truly friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere of the school where everyone, staff and pupils, enjoys working together.

"Perhaps the school motto says it all - Respect, Reliability, Responsibility."

Any ex-pupils now aged over 18 or older ex-staff are encouraged to visit the school in June and July for a number of special anniversary events.

E-mail anniversary@riverview-junior.kent.sch.uk or visit riverview-junior.kent.sch.uk/