THE replacement of a condemned footbridge at one North Herefordshire school brought old and young pupils together – spanning nearly 90 years.

Several former Ivington C of E Primary School pupils – now in their late 80s and 90s – attended the grand bridge opening, with two-year-old Emily Phillips, a pre-school pupil, given the task of cutting the ribbon.

Former pupils including Floss Griffiths, Nancy Wellings, Hilda Scandrett and Elwyn Price went to the informal ceremony and were later shown around the school by year-six prefects.

Head teacher, Melanie Smith, said the bridge had been a joint school and community project, instigated by the Layton family working with John Hanson, chair of governors.

When it was discovered that it was likely to cost more than £10,000 to replace the old one, the neighbours got together, pooled resources and building began.

They enlisted expert help from Leominster fabricator Will's Engineering for the design of the main arch. Proprietor, Will Fear and his son Matt supplied and skilfully fabricated the steelwork.

More help came from Premier Industrial while the Leominster branch of Jewson's came up with discounted timber for the sides.

Ivington resident Dareg Myszka, originally from Poland and a skilled joiner, gave his time to complete the construction of the new bridge at Ivingtonbury, before the farm staff helped lift it safely into place.

Bill Layton, himself a former pupil and now the school's adopted 'friendly farmer' often hosts groups of pupils at Ivingtonbury to see newly born calves and lambs, collect eggs or watch planting and harvest operations.

He said he was pleased so many locals had given their time and effort to complete the job.

He said: "We made available part of the orchard but the Honeylake Brook runs between the sports playing field and the playground.

"The access bridge is vital for the children to get onto their sports field. Now we have steel on the base of the new one which will take the weight of three cows because they have just found their way over onto the football pitch."

The replacement footbridge means pupils will no longer have to navigate the busy village road to get to the sports field.