Children were given a day to remember as parties took over playgrounds across Islington in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee.

There was a bouncy castle and a special picnic at Moreland School in Goswell Road, Finsbury, where headteacher Gordon Canning said one young pupil judged it to be “the best day of his life.”

Richard Cloudesley, a special needs school in Golden Lane, Finsbury, welcomed partner school City of London Academy in Prebend Street, Islington, for its elevenses party.

Sean McDonald, deputy head at Richard Cloudesley, said: “Pupils got to know each other in preparation for the festivities, which meant the mainstream children learnt more about disabilities. It’s clear that some of the friendships which started at the party will continue.”

St John Evangelist Catholic School in Duncan Road, Islington, welcomed local figures and businesses to their fancy dress party, while pupils at Hungerford School, Holloway, and its adjoining children’s centre were treated to a climbing wall as well as fish and chips in a bag.

Headteacher Brian Bench said: “It was a pleasant and memorable event, the best during my time here. I kept hearing how good the 1977 Jubilee was so we had to do better – and I think we’ve given it a run for its money.”