THEY travelled from as far away as Canada and Australia for the grand reunion of former Cowley pupils held at the school last Saturday.

Around 350 took a trip down memory lane to swap stories and catch up with their old pals

Former pupil and teacher Rita Allcock said the amount who turned up exceeded expectations: "It was amazing and such a beautiful day. There were quite a few year groups. Many came on their own to just to meet up.

"But the big event was the band with Andrew Wordsworth. And Ray Dobbs turned up to do the final conducting. Ray French and Eric McDonald also turned up. It was so lovely to see so many people there who had been in touch via the Old Cowleian page on Facebook."

Rita said that the day proved such a success that the former pupils have suggested creating a memorial fund inspired by education pioneer Sarah Cowley to help local underprivileged pupils.

She added: "Su Barton, who organised the reunion, said for next year she will again organise it for a Saturday to accommodate anyone who may live far away."