GOING to school was never that much fun in the old days.

But 130 former pupils of Consett Grammar School, now Derwentside College, who left in 1951 ensured their recent reunion was a night to remember.

Some of the former pupils travelled from across the country, and one even flew in from Australia.

The night, organised by Jack Swan and a committee of friends, began with a guided tour of the building and continued with a look at a large collection of photographs. The former pupils then enjoyed a buffet organised by the Derwentside College catering staff.

A vote of thanks for the celebration was given by Brigadier Malcolm Hudson McKenzie Orr, who travelled from Australia to attend. Also in attendance was Sheila Mackie, a well-known local artist, who had been a teacher at the school.

One of the ex-pupils, Averill Hunter, said the night had been fantastic. She said: "Walking around the college has brought back so many memories to so many people and that in itself has been wonderful. The event has exceeded everyone's expectations and we are all hoping to repeat this again in the near future."

A display of form photographs showing 12 classes from June 1948 who attended the former grammar school are to be displayed at Consett library, from September 1 to 30.

Moira Rutherford, another former pupil of the school, is currently compiling a booklet about the school during the 1940s and 1950s.