FORMER classmates from around the globe returned to reflect on their distant schooldays during an emotional reunion yesterday.

Friends from as far away as Peru and Australia met at St Augustine's Church, in Darlington, to reminisce about their days at St Mary's Grammar School during the Second World War.

Classmates from the former grammar school, which is now Carmel Technology College, included Canon Alexander Barrass, Vicar-General of the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, who led prayers for their friends who had died since leaving the school.

After the church ceremony, the group of 20 former classmates gathered at the Kings Head Hotel, in Darlington, for a celebration meal.

The 60th anniversary reunion was organised by retired businessmen Martin McCann, from Darlington, and Denis Dunlop, from Durham, who met at the school in 1941.

The pair spent months tracing former classmates around the world, finally tracking down teacher John Caselaw in Peru, and Mark Young, via the Internet, in Australia.

Former pupil James Connor, who was headteacher of Wingate RC and Langley Moor RC schools, said the classmates were determined to meet up again in the future.

He said: "The fond memories of St Mary's School will not be forgotten as long as the boys who have taken part in the diamond reunion have breath in their bodies. All the classmates are keen to repeat the reunion in future years.