FORMER pupils of a school facing demolition are holding a reunion this weekend before the bulldozers move in.

Roseberry College and Sixth Form at Newfield, Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, was closed last year by Durham County Council, which claimed falling rolls made it unsustainable, despite a community campaign to keep it open.

Tomorrow (Saturday, March 28) ex-pupils now in their 50s and older, hope to be able to walk around the fenced-off playground and have a last school photograph taken at about 2pm.

Event organiser Graeme Thompson, 54, of Pelton, said it grew out of his Facebook site Pelton Fell Remembered by Over-50s, which has attracted hundreds of current and former residents of the ex-pit village a mile or so from the school.

He said people were travelling from as far as London, many of whom had not met in 40 years or more

“It should be quite emotional. It is quite unusual to have so many people wanting to get into a school."

Patricia Graham, 60, a London-based photographer, said she plans to take a group shot in the grounds.

An evening get-together will be held at the Falcon Inn, South Pelaw, Chester-le-Street. Details of the day are on the Facebook page.

Gerard Darby, asset services manager at Durham County Council, said: “We expect demolition work to begin in the coming weeks.

“The council is currently considering options for the disposal of the site, however we can confirm that the playing fields will be retained.”