THE school motto at Watchet's Knights Templar First School was brought vividly to life in both tree and cake-form when the school celebrated its 25th birthday.

Pupils are encouraged to follow the old adage of "From little acorns, oak trees grow" and the saying was at the heart of the school's celebrations.

An oak tree grown by former pupil Philip Milton – the son of Watchet's current town crier David and his wife, Knights Templar school secretary Daphne – was planted in the grounds to mark the occasion.

Philip grew the tree from an acorn he collected during his first term at the school back in 1990.

His parents were joined by Watchet Mayor Pete Murphy and the Rev Gordon Elford, who officially opened the school 25 years ago.

Parent and nursery staff member Caroline Lovell added her own creative flair to the day, with a cake featuring the acorn to oak theme and a sugarcraft knight.

Former pupils and staff members were also invited to drop in, while current pupils paraded in special birthday hats and took part in country dancing before the cutting the special birthday cake.

The day ended with a birthday assembly which gave people the chance to share their own memories of the school, while current school councillors spoke about their pride and hopes for the future.

Headteacher Frances Burns said: "It was a great way to celebrate with the whole school community, young and old.

"We really appreciated the Rev Elford returning, having officially opened the school himself in 1990.

"We now look forward to our next 25 years and nurturing our symbolic oak tree."