A Malvern school has celebrated 70 years to the day since its doors first opened.

The Chase commemorated the milestone by planting an oak tree on the school’s front lawn.

In a touching move, the school’s first-ever head boy and head girl were invited to plant the tree alongside the students who currently hold those positions.

The Chase’s first head boy, Michael Walsh, and first head girl, Gwyneth Rees (née Cook), joined current head boy Michael Campion and head girl Sophie Wharton for the ceremony.

READ MORE: The Chase School, Malvern, wants ex-pupils to share memories

Headteacher Mike Fieldhouse was also present for the planting of the tree, which was donated by John Richards Nurseries.

This was followed by tea and cake with a small group of former students from the 1950s and a tour of the school.

Mr Fieldhouse said: “Thank you to everyone who helped to make our first anniversary event such a special occasion.

“It was fascinating to learn more about former students’ memories of their time at The Chase including where certain classrooms and buildings used to be, and that the workbenches in the Design & Technology Department are still the original ones.

“Further celebrations are planned in July with a three-day summer exhibition of memorabilia collected over the last seven decades.

“Members of the public are invited to come along on July 4-6 between 2pm and 5pm to view the exhibition.

“We will also be offering a guided tour of the school each day and we hope that many former students will be able to join us.”

If you would like to share a story or picture connected to The Chase, please email chasealumni@chase.worcs.sch.uk by the end of May.

The Chase opened its doors to pupils for the first time on April 21, 1953. In 26 March 1955, when building work was complete, an official opening ceremony took place with Lord Cobham doing the honours.

Originally a secondary modern, the school became a comprehensive in 1974 and an academy in 2011.