FORMER Malmesbury Grammar School pupils from the class of 1955, now in their mid-seventies, enjoyed a reunion this month – 60 years after their GCSE O-levels.

Several continued their education in the sixth form while others left school for apprenticeships or jobs.

Some did National Service and were among the Britons to be conscripted.

Ex-head boy David Daniels held the reunion for fifth formers of 60 years ago.

Several were accompanied by spouses and a total of 25 enjoyed chatting over lunch in Sutton Benger’s La Flambe restaurant.

The party included Mr Daniels’ wife Ruby (née Hicks) from another form at the school where their romance began. John and Carolyne Samuel also began dating in those days when Mrs Samuel was Carolyne Clark. Many former professions were represented although the ex-pupils are retired or semi-retired.

Mr Daniels, who organised the group’s first reunion in 2000, said: “Quite a few still live in the Malmesbury area but some have come a considerable distance, from the Lake District, Wales, Andover and Somerset. It’s been great to see them all but sadly some former classmates are no longer around." I’ve had apologies from half a dozen people who can’t be with us due to holidays or special family occasions. ”

Peter Bird thanked Mr Daniels for organising the reunion. “It’s been great to catch up with so many old friends,” he said.