A NEWSPAPER article helped reunite old friends and bring one of the world’s leading forensics experts to Richmond School.

The Northern Echo's sister paper, the Darlington and Stockton Times published an article in January about former Richmond pupil Professor Sarah Hainsworth being appointed an OBE for her services to Engineering and Forensic Science in the New Year Honours List.

This led to an ex-classmate, and member of staff at Richmond School, spotting the feature and getting in touch, 33-years after they left school.

She invited Professor Hainsworth to talk to the students and they were treated to an inspiring presentation by the expert.

She even opened her presentation with a press cutting from The Northern Echo in 1985 when she was involved in a competition at Richmond Sixth Form college where students saved and recycled plastic cups to create a swan, winning an Acorn computer

Professor Hainsworth said: “It was lovely to be back at Richmond and see the new buildings and the vibrant learning environment.

"Engaging with the current Richmond students was a great experience and hopefully it may inspire them to think about Engineering as a career.”

Professor Hainsworth is a forensic science expert in stabbing and dismemberment. The students were especially intrigued by her role in establishing how King Richard III died, by examining and analysing the wound marks on his skull.