WHEN a past pupil of Greenmount County Primary suggested holding a school reunion for those who attended as long as 65 years ago, former headteacher Mrs Sally Crompton joked: "Only if I'm was still around at 90!"

And on Sunday (November 30) former pupils and members of staff kept her to her word and held a special party to mark her 90th birthday.

Many had travelled from all over the country, with one guest flying in from London just for the day. Of the 120 guests who packed Greenmount Old School, 82 were ex-pupils and 12 were former members of staff.

Mrs Crompton said: "I never expected a party when I made a joke about it a few years ago! I was surprised and overwhelmed at the number of guests who had turned up. I was simply dumbfounded, I am still on cloud nine. It was the most wonderful occasion."

Mrs Crompton, who still lives in Greenmount, taught at Greenmount County Primary between 1938 and 1973. She was made head of the school in 1953 which was based inside what is now known as Greenmount Old School, where the party was held. Mrs Crompton overlooked the move to the new school on Holhouse Lane, Greenmount.

"I was the last head of the old school and the first of the new school," said Mrs Crompton.

The ages of the ex-pupils ranged from 36 to 70, representing many of the years in which Mrs Crompton taught. A special exhibition of photographs of Greenmount village throughout the years was on display for all to take a trip down Memory Lane.

"A former pupil attended as a representative of the war evacuees who attended the school," said Mrs Crompton. "Those pupils who could not attend because they are based all over the world took the trouble to write to me to tell me how much they appreciated the education they received at Greenmount County Primary. I am so proud of all of them."

Mrs Crompton received 160 birthday cards.

"I was so touched. And I would like to thank everyone who helped arrange this; it really was such a special occasion," said Mrs Crompton.