Parents and prospective students visiting one Ipswich school were thrown back in time and greeted by staff dressed as figures from the past.

IPSWICH: Parents and prospective students visiting one Ipswich school were thrown back in time and greeted by staff dressed as figures from the past.

Celebrating 70 years since Copleston High School opened for one day before it had to close because of the Second World War, the school decided to mark the occasion with a themed open evening for parents and students.

The school, which has always been at its current site, once closed was partly used as an extra hospital throughout the war.

With an original air raid shelter on the school grounds, all 50 members of staff dressed up in various costumes of the era, including Home Guards and flying Air Marshalls.

David East, deputy head teacher, said the event had been a huge success, with people relishing the opportunity to enjoy history in action.

“Everyone seemed to really enjoy the evening, we brought history alive. For many people, including myself it was the first time they had ever seen an original air raid shelter and had the chance to move around inside.

“We had a control table which we used YouTube technology to project images and maps onto the table, classrooms set up with original furniture and even the original plans of the school from Suffolk Records Office.

“We really went for it and it turned out to be a very positive evening.”

The annual evening is held for Year 6 pupils to visit the school and take a look around ahead of moving into Year 7 next year.

Mr East added: “It was the first themed open evening we have held and it was brilliant. For us all engaging and dressing up made it great fun and everybody left very happy.”