A CENTURY of memories came to life as past pupils were reunited in one last visit to Pikes Lane Junior School.

An astonishing total of 500 people created a living history of the school in an emotional open day which also raised money for charity.

The event was held to give former pupils the chance to take a nostalgic look at their old school, built in 1874, before it is demolished to make way for a new building.

In addition, the event was used as a chance to raise cash for the Christie Hospital Millennium Appeal Fund.

The Fund aims to raise £25 million by the start of the new Millennium. Refreshments were sold in aid of the appeal and the £1 admission went towards the good cause. As a result, the day raised £700.

Some priceless memories were rekindled during the eventr.

A spokesman for the school said: "The day was an outstanding success and we really appreciate the generosity of the people who attended.

"We hope the event not only rekindled memories for past pupils, but also helped them to look to the future.

"Some wonderful stories were remembered. For example, two elderly people in their seventies met up by chance at the open day. They were ex-classmates who had not seen one another since their school days."

People attended the event from as far afield as Portsmouth, Scotland and Leeds.

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