There were some sad moments as the class of 1980 held their first reunion at Matravers School in Westbury, as they remembered former schoolfriends who have died since they all left lessons over 30 years ago.

“It is the first time our year has had a reunion and many haven’t met up for 34 years.

“It was an emotional time for many who have lost friends and/or siblings but it was also a happy occasion, remembering people as they were at school,” said Caroline Smith, nee Gomez.

“We played music from the 70s and 80s including Elvis, Rubettes, Dr Hook, Neil Diamond and David Essex. There was a buffet and blow-up guitars were played by some!

“Family and friends also attended, one person had even travelled from Australia to be there. Class members are now spread all over the country and indeed the world, Australia, America, Spain and Germany.”

The reunion was organised by Lisa Carr and Kay Rogers (who was Hughes at school), and was arranged through Facebook. Anyone who was in that year but wasn’t able to get to the event can make contact with former friends through Facebook.