SCHOOLDAYS are meant to be the best years of our lives, but how many of us can put hand on heart and actually say it is true?

Well, one woman enjoyed her time at Park View CP School so much that she has put her fond memories in print to share them with everyone.

And Barbara Braid (nee Murgatroyd) is hoping to give something back to the Prestwich establishment that set her up for adulthood by donating any profits from the sale of her book, entitled Bright Future, to school funds.

Barbara (66), of Whittaker Lane, embarked on her writing pilgrimage around five years ago. After overcoming some obstacles along the way, as well as dealing with a personal illness, she finally published the 59-page booklet in April.

Barbara, pictured with her book, said: "First of all I had a word processor, which wasn't the quickest way of doing things. Then I was ill for some time and kept putting off writing. "Then, about 12 months ago, I decided I really had to get it finished off. I bought a new computer and taught myself how to use it, then I got someone to help me put everything on it."

Much of the book is centred on Barbara's childhood memories and features extracts from the school log book, which she said triggered off further memories.

She also invited fellow ex-pupils to contribute text and photographs but not many were as keen as Barbara to re-live their days behind the desk!

But Barbara took to the classroom atmosphere so much that she went on to be a teacher herself, at St Margaret's CE School and at The Uplands teaching unit at Whitefield.

To keep up the family tradition, Barbara's two children, Helen (37) and Robert (34), both attended Park View, and Helen still goes there every day when she drops off her children and puts on her pinny to work on school dinners.

In fact, four of Barbara's five grandchildren have been taught at the school and in a few years her youngest grandson, Josh, who is aged two-and-a-half, will be taking his place in the Park View family tradition.

Barbara even went on to teach the man who is the current headteacher at the school, Mr Les Horton!

Barbara said: "I wrote the book as a family thing really. I have always been interested in family history. I even went to St Petersburg to track down my grandfather's house and I thought perhaps one of the grandchildren might be interested in reading it when they are older.

"I have always enjoyed telling stories to the grandchildren. Before I became a teacher I fancied going into journalism.

"Park View was a good school. The teachers were so good in those days and a couple were particularly inspiring. There are still some excellent teachers there today."

Park View began life way back in 1932 under the leadership of headteacher Joyce Inglis.

The school was formed as an off-shoot of Hope Park County Council School, which was once the only school in the area.

Catering for five to 14-year-olds, the school eventually became too overcrowded and a second building was needed to teach all the children.

In 1932 the infants and junior departments were transferred to Park View and Hope Park became a senior school for girls.

Growing numbers also prompted changes at Park View and the school now boasts a new extension and major refurbishment of the hall.

Bright Future, by Barbara Braid, is available to buy from the school, priced £5.