Bakery rises to the occasion by helping birthday school

Stepney Primary School and the bread maker Hovis were both formed in 1866 – and the famous company helped get a week of birthday celebrations at the school under way by making a special delivery using vintage vehicles yesterday.

Headteacher Paul Browning said: “Stepney has had a long and colourful history, which we are keen to celebrate. Although there have been various name changes over the years, there has been 125 years of continuous education here.

“During the whole of this summer term, all the year groups are studying different periods or events in our history. We are even having a scriptwriter produce a bespoke end-of-year play for us, which should be ready for public performance near the end of the summer term.”

Other events being held this week include craft sessions, a summer fair and a talent contest and party on Friday.

A spokeswoman for Premier Foods, which owns Hovis, said: “It’s a huge achievement for any organisation to last 125 years. We are quite proud to have been asked along to join in the celebrations.”