A SECONDARY school in Horwich is marking a milestone in its history and is inviting former students and staff to celebrate it.

Rivington and Blackrod High School will have been educating young people for 450 years this May and a gala dinner is being held for current and former pupils, students, or people associated with the school.

The dinner on May 14 hosted by the governors is one of many events taking place in the coming week to mark the landmark year.

It was 450 years ago when the signing of the Charter of Foundation took place.

It was granted to James Pilkington, Bishop of Durham on the May 13 1566 to establish Rivington and Blackrod as a Grammar School.

Originally known as the Free Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth at its Charter of Foundation, the school was originally established as grammar school intended to teach mainly classics to educate pupils for entry to colleges and then into priesthood.

Therefore entry was restricted to boys, with girls being taught at home by parents.

The school played host to many children from both landed gentry such as the Standishes, the Norrises and the Sherburnes, and educated the sons and heirs of knights alongside those of humble birth.

Ever since then the school has played a pivotal role in educating the local community and the saying "Once a Riv always a Riv" was borne which is said to reflect the impact the school has had on all those and on the Rivington and Blackrod school family.

Today the school has grown to having 1900 pupils and 240 staff on its roll.

The school have received Heritage Lottery funding to mark the year by exploring and preserving the educational heritage of Rivington and Blackrod High School.

This has included looking more closely at the link the school has with the Bishop of Durham, and share archives for the wider community to share with others the past history of the school.

Chair of Governors Judith Marsden said: “As Governors, we are very proud of the history of the school, and this reflects in all that we do as a Governing Board.

"We very much look forward to the celebrations which will begin on the 13th May 2016.

"We are delighted that the Bishop of Durham is able to join us to celebrate and remember those who have contributed to the heritage of Rivington and Blackrod High School.”

Events will start on May 13 — the day before the gala dinner —with the Charter Anniversary.

Others will include a church service, archives exhibition and arts and drama performance.

Headteacher Tony Purcell added: "The Rivi 450 celebrations provide us with an opportunity for each and every student to celebrate, learn from and be extremely proud of the history of our school.

"The students themselves are a rich part of our community and heritage, and in turn will each leave a positive lasting legacy that will be remembered for many years to come.”

The gala dinner will be held at Bolton Whites Hotel at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £40 per person.

For tickets, email rivi450@rbhs.co.uk.

Payment is via school. Account name: Rivington and Blackrod High School Fund. Sort code: 309101 Account number: 17956160 Payment Reference: HHK (followed by payee surname e.g. HHK Marsden)

Cheques should be made payable to Rivington and Blackrod High School and give them to the finance office with your name and Rivi 450 Gala Dinner written on the back.