A REUNION for all ex-pupils and staff of the old Westhoughton Sacred Heart School has been arranged for September 29.

The Lord Street school reunion will be held from 8pm at Greenfields Club in Wigan Road, Westhoughton.

Past pupil Frank Gorringe explained how the old school, demolished in 1984, evolved from weaving shed beginnings.

Frank says: "In 1876 a weaving shed in Albion Street, Wingates was acquired by the church to serve as a mission for the small Roman Catholic community in and around Westhoughton.

"On Monday, August 3, 1879 the mission started a school for the children of the parish with forty one pupils.

"The first teacher was a Miss McCormick.

"Bigger premises were needed for a new church and school and the school foundation stone was laid on July 7, 1898 by the Bishop of Salford on the Syfield estate site in Lord Street.

"Miss McCormick was succeeded in 1899 by Mrs M Lumsden who was head teacher until 1902. Then Mr Charles Murry followed, head from 1902-29.

"Next came Mr Frank R Dilworth, affectionately nicknamed Dicky, who retired, in 1955.

"Mr J B Abbot followed and was there from 1955 until his death in 1976.

"His successor Mr J Brierly transferred over to the new school in Central Drive and is still there.

"The old school was demolished in 1984 to make way for a new church and social centre."