Former pupils of a Darlington secondary school will reunite later this month for a special reunion, 60 years after they left the classroom.
About 14 women who left North Road Secondary School in 1966 are expected to meet at Darlington Market on August 19.
Organiser Denise Sines, 75, who now lives in London but grew up in the Harrogate Hill area of Darlington, said the occasion would bring together old friends, including some she has not seen since they were 15-years-old.
The group held a reunion last year, but this year’s gathering has attracted former pupils who did not attend the first event.
Denise said: "It is fantastic, really, because I put it onto the Darlington 1880s and 1980s Facebook group, and I got so many replies from that.
Year of 1966 of North Road Secondary School, Darlington
(Image: DENISE SINES)
"I told the girls I have kept in touch with, three or four, but I have got so many coming, which is amazing.
"It is people that I have not seen for 60 years since I left school.
"Some of the girls who came last year, I recognised straight away, but there are some I would not have recognised at all."
Denise moved to London in 1968, two years after leaving school, but continues to make regular trips back to Darlington.
She said returning to the town brought back many memories of her childhood and early working life.
Denise said: "Going back to Darlington is always very nostalgic, but a lot has changed.
"I prefer it the way it was. I lived in Harrogate Hill, and I used to just get a bus on North Road and into town for the market.
"I used to work in the market when I was 15. I used to work for Prest & Villiers. That was such a good job."
One former pupil is travelling from Sheffield especially for the reunion after her sister, who lives in Darlington, spotted Denise’s appeal online.
Year of 1966 of North Road Secondary School, Darlington
(Image: DENISE SINES)
Denise believes the 60-year reunion could be among the longest-running school reunions held in the area.
She said: "A lot of people have died, which is sad, and others have moved away from Darlington.
"That is why it is lovely to get everybody together again.
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"We are going to Shape Patisserie and Bake, and we are going to play 60s music. It will be really nice to see everyone."
Denise is still hoping more former North Road Secondary School pupils from the class of 1966 may hear about the event and join their old friends.
The reunion will take place at Shape Patisserie and Bake, at the entrance to Darlington Market next to JJ Blair at 1 pm.