A headteacher whose mother founded a Hampstead school 65 years ago had a little help from her pupils to cut the first slice of a giant birthday cake to celebrate the anniversary.

Children at Hampstead Hill nursery and pre-prep school in Pond Street enjoyed bouncy slides and a show from an entertainer at neighbouring St Stephen’s Church last Friday to mark 65 years since Hazel Riches opened a nursery in 1949.

Her daughter and current headteacher Andrea Taylor, who has since expanded the independent school to accept children in Years 1 and 2, celebrates the birthday every year.

She said: “It’s to remember my mother and what she started here – it’s very much still a family business.

“It’s a good opportunity for the children to learn something about Hampstead, about where they come to school and about where a lot of them live.”