A COLLEGE is organising a reunion to mark its golden jubilee year at its current site.

St Mary's, Durham University's only all-female college, started in 1899 as a hostel for six women students.

It is one of the university's oldest colleges, and moved to Elvet Hill Road, Durham, 50 years ago.

The foundation stone was laid by the then Princess Elizabeth, who shares her Golden Jubilee year as Queen with the college.

To celebrate the anniversary, St Mary's is inviting past students to a four-day reunion, starting on Friday, September 20, including updates on college life and reminiscences of the past.

A college spokesman said: "Since Princess Elizabeth laid the foundation stone, in 1947, the college's magnificent buildings have been added to and developed, but are still recognisable and have stood the test of time.

"We feel it is very fitting that we should be celebrating our golden jubilee in this college building the same year as Queen Elizabeth is celebrating her golden jubilee as Queen."