FORMER pupils went back to school this week to look at how classrooms have changed over the last 50 years.

The group, who spent their formative years at Tanfield School, near Stanley, sat in on classes to get a flavour of how teaching has changed. Among them were Durham University professor Dick Chambers and Barbara Churcher, who were pupils in 1928 to 1935.

The visitors are all members of the Tanfield Association. Founded by former teacher Fred Westwater, it raises funds for the school and provides a strong link between ex-pupils and the wider community.

Headteacher Archie Howat said: "It is a generation passing on experience to another and says a lot about education provided here both now and in the past."