A group of friends who met at school in the 1950s reunited to celebrate 70 years of friendship.

Most people will have one or two old friends that they have known for years, perhaps decades. But how many have an entire friendship group they have known for 70 years?

This group of ladies have just that, having met for the first time in 1953 when they started at Rivington Grammar School in Horwich.

They met up last at Chorley Golf Club, whiling away the hours and reminiscing about their times at the historic school, which still stands today as Rivington and Blackrod High School

One of the friends, Patricia Farrington, said: "There are about 14 ladies, we all started at Rivington Grammar School 70 years ago, in 1953. 

The Bolton News: Rivington and Blackrod High School, formerly Rivington Grammar School, taken by Peter RavaldRivington and Blackrod High School, formerly Rivington Grammar School, taken by Peter Ravald (Image: Peter Ravald)

" It was 70 years at the beginning of September. One of the ladies has come over from the Isle of Wight.

"We have kept in touch all this time, a few have died over the years but we have all gone for a meal at Christmas when we met up there used to be over 20 of us, but it has depleted a bit, but these things happen."

Although some of the ladies have moved far and wide, Mrs Farrington, aged 81, still lives in Horwich with her husband, David.

She continued: "We thought this time was a special time, as it is 70 years. I met my husband at the school when I was 14. Now we have been married for 62 years - to think we met at school at that age.

"He has not got fed up of me yet!

"Around 14 said they could come. A lot of others would have liked to have come, but it can be too far too travel and such."

The friends gathered at Chorley Golf Club to share schoolday memories