A FORMER pupil stepped back in time to help solve the mystery of Meanwood Primary School’s maypole.

Raymond Hepworth, aged 79, of Norden, contacted the Observer after reading a recent appeal for information about the maypole.

He remembered that it was used as a centrepiece for celebrations when he attended the school between 1934 and 1940.

He was invited to share his knowledge with staff and was treated to a trip down memory lane when he enjoyed a guided tour of the premises.

He also saw the maypole for the first time in almost 70 years and was grateful for being given the chance to recall his memories.

He said: "When I read the piece in the paper, I realised it was the same maypole and wanted to speak to the school because I still remember it clearly. The girls would dance around it and the boys would stand still and watch. I have happy memories of those times because it was a lovely school.

"I’m very grateful to the school for being invited to see the maypole again.

"Even though the school has changed, it was nice to see that the children are still lovely and I was very nostalgic after visiting."

It’s still unclear who made the maypole, but readers have suggested that it could have been constructed by the council’s education service maintenance team.

A spokeswoman for the school said she was pleased that Mr Hepworth enjoyed his visit.

She was also grateful to him for bringing a photograph of himself dancing around the maypole in 1936 or 1937.