Primary school is family affair

Five-year-old Victoria Booth's first day at Solway Primary School marked a milestone for her whole family.

She was the fourth generation Booth to have attended the school since her great-grandfather Syd, who has since passed away, started in 1925.

Her grandfather John started at the school in 1957 and her father Sam in 1983.

John said it was pretty special to see his granddaughter at the same school.

"You never know these days whether your kids will be in the same area or not," he said.

"She's actually the first fourth generation family member in an unbroken line to start at the school."

John said his father attended the school as the mail lady used to pick Syd up on her way.

Since then, it has become the family school.

John said the family planted three cherry trees at the school when the last of the third generation finished. Although one had to be removed due to a building extension, he was hoping - with the school's permission - to plant another.

And if that wasn't enough, Victoria's great-aunty Viv Booth is her teacher.

Victoria was writing a story about rabbits when the Times-Age visited and said she had been having a good day.

Her dad Sam said she was excited and nervous for her first day at school.