A school class rolled back the years as they reunited after more than four decades since they left. 

The class of 1981 at Ladybridge Primary School walked back through the school gates on retracing the steps they would have taken as 11-year-olds. 

What started as one classmate stumbling upon another on Facebook grew to the point where 14 of the original 37 were able to meet up.

They reminisced about times gone by, their favourite (and least favourite) teachers and recreated their class photograph. 

Member of Ladybridge Primary School's class of 1981Member of Ladybridge Primary School's class of 1981 (Image: Newsquest)

Site manager, John Walton, took the former pupils for a tour, with the group gifting Ladybridge daffodil bulbs in return. 

They will be planted to brighten up the entrance.

Although some areas of the school now did not even exist during their time, the class still recognised the hall and the classrooms they were taught in. 

Even the same wall bars in the school hall are still in place. 

Posing on the wall bars, which have been at the school since the 1970sPosing on the wall bars, which have been at the school since the 1970s (Image: Newsquest)

Jane Broadis said: "Sharon and Caroline found each other on Facebook. Quite a few of us have kept in touch, we had a get-together in the year 2000 but that was with less people." 

Caroline Morrison said: "I posted the school photo on Facebook and people were commenting, saying 'I'm in this photo', then Sharon messaged me within minutes." 

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Jane added: "Then everyone networked around and people set up a date. 

"It's funny, it takes a bit of time to recognise people, but then the same mannerisms and personalities come shining through, it's a brilliant feeling." 

The original class photoThe original class photo (Image: Newsquest)

The group mentioned staff such as headteacher Mr Charlton and the pianist Mrs Haworth as some of their favourite teachers - the piano she played at the time was also still present at the school. 

They are looking to find as many people as possible to join in future reunions. 

Jane added that the group were very thankful to John for taking them around the school.