About 250 Western Bay of Plenty grandparents got a reminder of what school was like when they attended Bethlehem College's Grandparent's Day today.

The college's promotions officer Catherine Hugo says the event recognises how important grandparents are to students.

Deziree Gray, students Brooke Wilson and Starlia Costa with grandmother Brigid Mckenzie.

All of the younger pupils at the school got the opportunity to invite their grandparents.

They arrived at the college in the morning and were addressed by the principal Eoin Crosbie, followed by lunch with students in the school's quad, a book fair in the library and then a special Easter church service.

Catherine says students look forward to the biannual event.

'Grandparents are very important to a child's life.

'They have a big influence, especially on younger children.”