A WATFORD primary school held its first summer fete since it was almost completely destroyed by a fire three years ago.

Nin per cent of Knutsford Primary School in Knutsford Avenue was consumed by an electrical fire in November 1999.

Although it took 24 months to complete the new building, just four days after the accident, teachers were welcoming pupils back through its gates.

To celebrate the first fair at the site since the fire, the school invited Garston fire station commander Mr Martin Dawe to open the fair with acting headteacher Mr Kevin Sullivan on Saturday, June 15.

Headteacher Mr Brian Nicholson is currently on secondment at another primary school and will be back before the end of term.

Mr Dawe said: "They invited me along to the opening ceremony of the school and then asked me to open the fete, which I was honoured to do and I just hope that's the only time I have to go into the school."

He added: "It was fun. The weather was good, there were a lot of people there despite the fact the football was running."

Acting deputy head Mrs Athena Redwood said the fair was an important occasion in the school's calendar for teachers, pupils and parents.

She said: "I think that people were just enthusiastic to support us. I would hope the occasion was particularly meaningful to them."

Despite having to compete with an England versus Denmark football match, Mrs Redwood added: "We had people queuing when we started and a steady stream of people right through to the end of the afternoon."

Television sets were placed in the grounds for visitors to watch the event.

For those less interested in the football, there was a bouncy castle, cake stalls and a barbecue.

The fair, organised by the PTA, raised more than £2,000 for school funds.

It has not yet been decided what to spend the money on.

June 21, 2002 13:30