BARBARA Larkin was a student at a school many people probably do not even realise existed.

Mawdsley Street School, in Bolton Town Centre, was a commercial college and tucked away in the heart of this once busy little street.

Barbara, aged 84, was a pupil there when she was a teenager and learned shorthand, typing and book keeping.

Barbara, whose maiden name was Paton, recalls there were around a dozen students, mainly girls, and would love to make contact with any of her friends from her school days.

It was her grandfather, John Yearn, who paid for Barbara to go to the little school where students would learn everything they needed to know about office work. Prior to this Barbara was a pupil at Wolfenden Street School.

She can recall a Mr Prescott who “had something to do with the school” but very little else.

“I would love to talk to someone who remembers it and remembers me,” says Barbara.

She recalls being at school in Bolton “when the town centre was a lovely place — with so much going on. It was very different to today,” says Barbara. She remembers, as a girl, going into town from her home in Charles Rupert Street on a Sunday and enjoying an ice cream from Sabini’s in Churchgate.

Barbara went on to work in the office at the Princess Anne Maternity Unit.

If you recall the school get in touch with Gayle McBain on 01204 537269 or email gayle.mcbain@nqnw.co.uk