In July of 1975, the fifth year girls at Bishop Fox's school were celebrating the start of the summer holidays.

Forty years later and celebrations were in order again for a reunion held at The Merry Monk in Monkton Heathfield on Saturday, July 18.

More than 70 guests, included three former teachers attended the special reunion to meet old friends and share memories.

Former students travelled from as far away as Herefordshire and Yorkshire, with one making the effort to travel all the way from Norway.

The guests enjoyed complimentary jugs of Pimms, individual cakes, memorabilia and quizzes at the event which took organisers Sue Jones, Christine Fowle, Wendy Horler and Angie Merrick six months to plan.

One of the former students, Sarah Pinn, said: "What a great day! Genuinely lovely to see everyone - so much remains unchanged in people in spite of the years."

Another former Bishop Fox's pupil, Fiona Castle, said: "A lovely afternoon and evening with such a warm bunch of school mates. It was good to remember the times back then and hear a little of the tales of the years going by."

Michael Gillingham, a well-loved biology teacher in the seventies demonstrated that he still had command of the girls as he called for quiet before Wendy gave the welcoming speech.

Contributions from the guests raised £540 for Cancer Research UK and following the success of the event a second reunion is already in the works for next year.