Red Maids school mark 375th anniversary with firework display

PUPILS, parents, teachers and governors gathered at The Red Maids' School to launch a year of celebrations to mark the school's 375th anniversary.

Red Maids', which was founded in 1634 by Bristol's then-mayor, John Whitson, is the oldest girls' school in the country.

On Friday its current crop of pupils and their families enjoyed a barbecue and fireworks display in the Westbury-on-Trym grounds.

A jazz band from the QEH boy's school was also on hand to provide entertainment.

On Thursday – the first day of the new academic year – a service was held in the school's Denmark Hall to mark the anniversary year.

Among the guests were Lord Mayor Chris Davies and Mary Prior, the Queen's Lord-Lieutenant for Bristol. Pupils were also given a commemorative booklet and mug, designed by a Year 7 student, to mark the occasion.