HUNDREDS of pupils and parents turned out to celebrate diversity at a school's 50th birthday party.

Montgomery Infants School in Colchester opened its doors in September 1967.

The school in Baronswood Way still has ties to Colchester Garrison and the Montgomery family of parents, teachers and pupils wanted to mark this special connection.

Sally Leung, headteacher, said: "It was an amazing afternoon, I'm very proud of the Montgomery family.

"The parents brought in food from all different cultures and the children made banners representing different cultural groups to promote diversity."

The Military Children's Choir and Military Wives Choir sang for the school and provided entertainment.

Sally said: "The it was a lovely afternoon, the sun was shining and it was a real celebration.

"Because of the military connection the students made emblems of all the different regiments, it was a celebration of unity."

Sally and two former headteachers, Heather Canler and Christine Rudland, also cut the ribbon officially opening a new natural pond in the school field.

Colchester MP Will Quince and former MP Bob Russell also attended the event.

About 700 people were a part of the day.