Children celebrate achievements of code breaker Alan Turing

Pupils at Lindow Community Primary School have been fascinated to learn about code breaker Alan Turing who was responsible for breaking the Enigma code during the Second World War.

Enigma was a typewriter-like device that worked by mixing up the letters of the alphabet to encrypt a message.

His pioneering work gave the Allies the edge they needed to win the war in Europe.

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Students and staff were delighted to welcome guest speaker David Briggs, chairman of Wilmslow Historical Society, which has recently dedicated a room in Wilmslow Library to the famous legend.

Despite Mr Turing's many accomplishments, his contributions were never recognised in his home country during his lifetime as much of his activities were covered by the Official Secrets Act.

Teacher Lisa Oakes said: "Alan Turing was a significant person of the past who children have loved learning about and who they have been proud to celebrate as a person of great mathematical skill and intelligence, of great perseverance and self-belief in this code-cracking machine, of forward-thinking computing designs, at a time when he was doubted by many, and someone who faced much adversity in his personal life, that we want to respect and value."

David Briggs, chairman of Wilmslow Historical Society presents a portrait of Alan Turing to head girl Gautami Sarseshpande and head boy Benjamin Holder

Mr Briggs shared stories of the town's history and spoke about the integral role the Bletchley code breaker played in the national war effort.

The school was presented with a portrait of Alan Turing by local artist Paul Webber by Wilmslow Civic Trust and Wilmslow Historical Society.