A GROUP of former John Bentley School students who left the Calne school 50 years ago met up at a reunion on June 6 after The gazette and Herald published an appeal to find members of the class of 69 back in January.

The class of 1969 and the current headteacher, Jason Tudor, of the John Bentley Comprehensive School, soon to become an Academy, had tour around the school followed by a reunion buffet at the Lansdowne Hotel.

Many of the former pupils had not met since 1969 but had a great time catching up on each other’s lives over the last half century and hope to meet again.

Sue Unsworth said: "There was much banter and re telling of old stories, evidence that they are times fondly remembered by the majority of folk there.

"It was great to see everyone still enjoying each other's company after all these years.

"Two had come from New Zealand, one from Aberdeen and the others from all corners of the Uk.

"Mostly retired but we had a vicar, a policeman, an undertaker, a heavy goods vehicle driver, a possible millionaire or two and a good few bankers and teachers to name just a few.

"In addition to the headteacher the PA was also so helpful.

"A handful of people stayed overnight locally and enjoyed a visit to the Calne Heritage Centre and seeing excellent displays and old photos."

The school population back in 1969 was in the 300 and will be more than1000 by this September.