YOUNG and old came together to learn about the history of education.

Andrew Murphy, head of history at Plume School, Fambridge Road, Maldon, invited former students and staff of Maldon Secondary Modern, Maldon Grammar School and the Plume to attend a living history day on Monday February 25.

The day was one of a number of events planned to celebrate the 400th anniversary of education in Maldon.

Around 30 Year Nine history students filmed and interviewed the guests from various eras.

One of the eldest first began their education at Maldon Grammar School in 1929.

Students prepared questionnaires in their lessons and asked a series of questions on the day in order to learn about how education has changed over the years, particularly with the amalgamation of the grammar school and Maldon Secondary Modern in 1970 which saw the birth of the Plume School as a comprehensive.

Bob Barnes, teacher and one of the anniversary organisers at Plume School, said the day was "absolutely fantastic."

"The atmosphere in the room was lovely.

"The generations came together so comfortably, easily and freely to discuss what life and the schools were like through different eras," he added.

The students will now write up their findings and they will be used to demonstrate the history of education in the town.

The next event to mark the 400th anniversary is a celebratory service on Sunday March 9 at All Saints Church in the High Street, Maldon.