It's a very special year for the staff and pupils at a Co Down primary school as they mark a milestone anniversary.
Carrickmannon Primary, outside the village of Ballygowan, is one of the oldest schools in Northern Ireland, and in 2025 it's celebrating 200 years at the heart of the local community.
The school first opened way back in 1825, and today it has 103 pupils who hail from the nearby town and local farming community, being taught across four classrooms.
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Belfast Live paid a visit to the school this week to meet the fantastic staff and pupils, some of whom are following in their family's footsteps.
The school's proud principal Rosemary Brown told us: "We're very lucky that we're a very family-oriented school and quite a lot of our children come from parents who have been here and grandparents who have been here before.
"We have one family in the school who are seventh generation now and we have lots of third and fourth generation families as well. Children who come to the school are supported really well by their parents and lots of staff who currently work at the school have been here for a very long time, have sent their own children here, and are sending their grandchildren here as well."
Ms Brown also touched on the school's long history: "The land was granted by Lord Dufferin and the school was built in 1825 and has seen many, many major events take place over that time.
"The school has been here for the launching and sinking of the Titanic, for the building of Scrabo Tower, the Irish Potato Famine, the reign of Queen Victoria, two World Wars, and it's amazing when you think about all of the things that this school has stood through and this school has witnessed. We're very lucky still to be here witnessing and being a part of history."
She added: "I am exceptionally proud and lucky to be here for our 200th anniversary. Not very many schools get to be 200 years old, and I'm very happy that it has happened during my tenure and while I'm in charge of the school."
One of the school's longest-serving staff members is classroom assistant, Anne Adams: "Back in 1989, there would have probably been about maybe 79, 80, up to 85 children. We just had three rooms and it was a lot smaller than it is today."
Meanwhile, another classroom assistant Lesley Finlay followed her own children to Carrickmannon: "I've had four children through the school. They still talk of here with very fond memories and it's been an excellent foundation in life for them.
"I also will have two grandchildren coming in September of this year so it is very much a family school and very well thought of in the community."
Also working as a classroom assistant is past pupil, Timmy Roy: "When I was P7, we did a leavers service play and 10 years in the future, I said I would be back at Carrickmannon working.
"It's like a second family and no matter if you are a child or an adult, if you have a problem or anything, there's someone to go to for help or advice. I haven't had any complaints about getting up in the morning. I love my job and look forward to it every day."
Another staff member full of pride for her place of work is senior teacher, Rachel McCoy: "The warmth and homely feel of Carrickmannon was the first thing that struck me when I visited the school prior to interview in 2023.
"Joining the Carrickmannon family has been very special indeed and there are very few schools in which staff can know all the children's names and each and every pupil as they journey from the foundations P1 to the adventures of P7 where they are readying themselves for their transition to post-primary.
"Carrickmannon is a school steeped in history, family and enthusiasm and it is marvellous to watch it grow and flourish within the local community."
Video by Belfast Live videographer Harry Bateman.
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