It was the end of an era and the beginning of a new one, as two schools joined together under one name on April 1.

Monkton Farleigh and South Wraxall Primary School celebrated the last day in its present form before it federated with Atworth Primary School on April 1 to become Churchfields, The Village School.

More than 100 people gathered at the school for a tea party last week which also marked the retirement of headteacher, Sue Havranek, as well as commemorating the end of the school.

Monkton Farleigh and South Wraxall School and Atworth School officially federated after consultations last year, as both schools had fewer than 100 pupils.

The move came despite parents' complaints that they were not consulted properly about the federation or about the new name of the school. The new school will have one headteacher and key stage one and two will be taught on both sites, so that younger children can go to their nearest school.

Patricia Hall, chairman of Monkton Farleigh and South Wraxall board of governors, said: "We have achieved a good standard of education over the years for our children now, as Churchfields, the Village School, we are committed to continue this and do better."

Bob Wolfson, director of education at the LEA, Simon Tong, diocesan director of education for Salisbury and Dr Andrew Murrison, west Wiltshire MP all saw old photographs and memorabilia from over 100 years ago, lent to the school by villagers.

Mrs Hall said: "We are pioneers of this type of federation in a way, because key stage one and two will be taught on both sites." The two sites will continue to have separate lessons and assemblies, but will operate under one budget and will come together for special events such as sports days.

Retiring head, Mrs Havranek, said: "We are evolving into Churchfields, the Village School.

"The tea party was wonderful the children sang The Paintbox, one of my favourite songs, and were really interested in looking at the old photographs of the school and its pupils."

The school will start operating in its new form when they return from their Easter break and in September, the Bishop will officially launch the new school with a blessing.