THREE brothers returned to their old school - more than 60 years after leaving.

James, Robert and Leslie Harrison attended Harper Green School in Farnworth between 1932 and 1940.

And things were very different then: pupils left when they were aged 14, they were taught only a basic curriculum, boys and girls were segregated and teachers used the strap to discipline badly behaved youngsters.

So the trio, now aged between 78 and 83, could hardly recognise Harper Green when they were given a tour by deputy head Philip Stewart.

James still lives in Farnworth, while Robert now lives in Bangor, North Wales and Les, lives in Northumberland.

Les said: "The school was so small when we went here. Now it is huge."

He added: "It was tough when we were at school and we have been telling the pupils today how lucky they are because they are receiving such a wonderful education."

Discipline was much harsher in the 1930s. Naughty youngsters had the names recorded in the strap punishment book and received "three of the best" from their teacher for bad behaviour.