STAFF who helped open a Bolton nursery in 1973 returned to mark its 40th anniversary earlier this month.

Alexandra Nursery, in Martha Street, Daubhill, where former pupils and comedians Peter Kay and Paddy McGuinness met, had only six staff in the early 1970s but now supports 200 families across two locations.

Headteacher Barbara Kenny, aged 59, from Edgworth, said she had contacted local primary schools to encourage recent pupils to return, while they got in touch with all former staff members.

Mrs Kenny succeeded 80-year-old Stella Eccles 20 years ago and Alexandra’s former headteacher was present to mark the occasion.

Adults and children spent hours poring over photo albums which illustrated their days at the nursery while reminiscing about their days there.

Children from Alexandra come from 17 ethnic backgrounds and go to 15 different primary schools in Bolton.

Mrs Kenny thanked people for supporting the day and said: “Hopefully I’ll come back retired in ten years time for the 50th anniversary.”

When the nursery was making arrangements for the anniversary celebrations, staff came across pictures of Paddy.

Mrs Kenny said: “When Peter was presented the Royal Variety Show a few years ago he introduced Paddy McGuinness and said that they became friends when they first met at Alexandra Nursery. Last year Peter was back at the nursery taking pictures and I ran out to talk to him and had my picture taken with him.

“Children who come here go on to do great things.”

Peter and Paddy stayed pals throughout their childhood, both attending Mount St Joseph High School, in Farnworth.

They went on to star in the hugely-successful Channel 4 show Phoenix Nights,.

They famously played doormen Max and Paddy, with Peter also playing club landlord Brian Potter.