Derby County boss Nigel Clough goes back to his roots as former school celebrates 50 years

NIGEL Clough has joined in marking the 50th anniversary of his old primary school by planting a tree.

The Rams manager said he had some fond memories of Lawn Primary School in Allestree, including a school trip to Mam Tor, where he was joined by his father, Brian.

He said: "My dad did a lot around the school. I remember him bringing the Championship trophy down to show the children.

"The school still has the same feel to it. It's a lovely place. I really enjoyed it here, especially the football."

The school, which opened in 1962, celebrated the anniversary with a 1960s-themed sports day which it invited former members of staff to attend.

Children gathered to watch Mr Clough plant an Acer tree with former head teacher Pat Curran.

One pupil asked him: "Did you enjoy the Watford game?" to which Mr Clough laughed and said he did. Derby won 5-1.

Penny Bennett, the school's head teacher for eight years, said: "It's a really special recognition of all the work that Lawn has done in the community in the past 50 years.

"There's a real family tradition. We have taught grandparents, their children and their grandchildren.

"It's lovely that Nigel Clough is here too. It's nice to think that Lawn contributed to his success."

Lawn Primary was originally made up of separate junior and infant schools but they merged in 1983.

Margaret Hambleton, who worked at the school as a teacher and deputy head teacher for 34 years, taught Nigel Clough and she said he was a hard-working pupil.

She said: "I came here straight from college and stayed here all the way up to becoming a deputy.

"It was always like one big happy family. It was a lot of fun and I'd like to think that I made a lasting impression on at least some of the children I taught."

The school, which currently has 410 pupils, is also holding a grand reunion for past students and staff today, from 11am until 3pm.

Ex-pupils, staff members, parents and friends of the school are welcome to go along to the reunion and do not need to book a place.

There will be displays of old photographs from the 1960s when the school first opened and refreshments available.