More than 50 former pupils of Wootton Bassett School representing more than half the intake of 1961 were joined by seven of their former teachers for a reunion at the school assembly hall.

The reunion was organised by Chris Pocock and a committee, whose efforts sparked such enthusiasm that a summer outing for the group has been mooted.

"It was absolutely fantastic," said Joe Gardner, who taught history, English and PE in those days and is still a supply teacher at the school.

Unfortunately the school's original headmaster, Mr Frank King, now in his 90s, was unable to attend, and sent his apologies.

But former religious education teacher Brian Earl and English teachers Ken Gore and David Rees went along to greet their ex-pupils on Saturday, who are now all aged 50.

A display of memorabilia featured a photograph of a 1963 Speech Day in the assembly hall.

Next year there will be a weekend commemorating the school's history from 1958 - 2001. Mr Gardner is to mastermind a display for that event, and will welcome offers of photos.

The move into Wootton Bassett School's new premises is planned for Spring 2002, so the celebration, on October 19-21, will offer ex-pupils and staff a last chance to visit their old haunts.