OLD boys and girls will be reliving their schooldays at a reunion dinner.

The Association of Old Rivingtonians ­— made up of former pupils, staff and governors of Rivington and Blackrod High School and its grammar school predecessor ­—will hold its hugely popular reunion at Brookfield Hall, Westhoughton, on Friday, October 11.

Guests will current senior staff and a number of sixth-form students.

Overseeing the event will be current president of the association, Linda Belhadj, who attended Rivington from 1962-to1969, during which she was headgirl. made history by becoming president as for the first time in the 115 years of the association, a former head boy handed over the reins of office to a former head girl of the same era.

She will given an update on the President's Charity Fund, which this year is supporting the Bolton West Branch of The Stroke Association.

Following the dinner, the annual reunion service will take place in the school’s beautiful Victorian chapel, on Sunday, October 13th, starting at 2:30pm. T

Conducting the service will be Rev. Carol Pharaoh, Rector of the Blackrod, Daisy Hill, Westhoughton and Wingates team ministry, with the collection supporting the president's charity.

David Kaye, press secretary for the association, said: "Following the service, members of the school staff will provide refreshments, and the opportunity for many schooldays friendships to be renewed."

He added: "The Association has had an unbroken history since its formation in 1904, providing a continuing conduit for former pupils to maintain their links with a very special school, whose history now spans a remarkable 453 years, having been founded by Royal Charter during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

"However, in addition to enjoying a wide range of reunion and social activities, the association is keen to ensure that others less fortunate benefit from their gatherings, and have a long and proud history of raising funds for local worthy causes.

"Since the inception of the current President’s Charity Fund, substantial donations have been distributed to a diverse range of local and regional charities, and before the end of 2019 it is anticipated that the accumulated total raised will pass the £75,000 mark."

Former pupils can find out more about the association and how to get involved by ringing 01204 696984 or 07970 131460.