King's 1963 march on Washington for civil rights yesterday.

Nearly all 125 students did the half mile to Maximart and back to their school carrying placards while teachers donned sixties style afros and clothes to aid authenticity.

Parent and race activist Rolfe Commissiong carried a poster of the civil rights campaigner who was assassinated in 1968.

Principal Gladstone Thompson said: "My hope is these children will recognise Dr. King for who he was.

"I was around when all this was going on but many young people might not have a clue about him.

"This day was to recognise the contribution he made, that we can get along with each other, to encourage racial harmony and to appreciate all that we have -- such as access to free education and not take it for granted.

"The teachers dressed up and made it a wonderful event. We have also made it part of the curriculum.'' When the children returned to the school an assembly was held about Dr. Martin Luther King's life with kids being tested by Mr.

Thompson.

He said: "The response was great -- they were very enthusiastic.'' He said a similar event last year had been scaled down because of poor weather.

The school is now planning a special assembly for groundbreaking educator Kenneth E Robinson.

Mr. Thompson said: "It's really important for us to celebrate local heroes too.''