The Mayor of Havering and a former Premier League footballer were just two of the happy guests when one Havering primary school celebrated its 60th birthday this weekend.

Staff, pupils and parents at St Joseph’s held a Christmas-themed party at the school’s St Mary’s Lane premises on Saturday, with fun activities on offer for all ages to get involved with.

Chairwoman of St Joseph’s Parents and Friends Association, Nicola Worthington, told the Recorder the event had been a huge success.

She said: “It was a really fantastic day, we raised £2,500 for the school, and we have a fund matcher so that will be doubled into £5,000.

“Everyone involved had a really good time, I know a lot of the children were delighted to meet Father Christmas and had a wonderful day.

“We’re also very grateful to the Mayor of Havering and [former West Ham footballer] Paul Konchesky for helping make the event such a success.”