Former teachers from a Bolton school reunited to celebrate half a century of its existence. 

Sharples School first opened in 1974, starting temporarily from Great Moor Street in Bolton town centre, before moving to the site on Hill Cot Road. 

Former teachers met in September at the Astley Bridge Toby Carvery to celebrate 50 years of the school and reminisce. 

Organiser, Val Coleshaw, said: "I have organised meals for former staff many times. This was special but sadly short notice meant that we had many apologies.

"Twenty of us agreed to meet at the Watermillock Toby Carvery in the private boardroom and I arranged a cake with a picture of Hill Cot House on it and lots of newspaper articles and photos.

"Colleagues had great fun trying to identify themselves, other colleagues and, of course, pupils. The first year, 1974, will now almost have their pensions! 

"I was so pleased to see that of the original 13, four of us were there representing our 50 years together. There was an abundance of joy as stories were swapped.

"I was reminded that I must continue to organise meals and I am sure many of us will meet up over the years as the main site at Sharples School continues to recognise this momentous year." 

This comes as Sharples held an anniversary celebration last month. 

Speaking about the opening of the school in 1974, she added: "It was quite a challenge, no school and no senior management team but 13 of us were up for it. 

"Our base for a year was the former school on Great Moor Street in the centre of Bolton. We were led by an acting head and deputy, Miss Dorothy Isherwood and Mr Patrick Pearson. 

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"Of course, over 200 First Years shared this amazing experience. We had the ground floor at Great Moor Street but had to walk to the Drill Hall on Silverwell Street for PE and Pilkington Street for HE (home economics/domestic science). I am sure this would not be allowed today! 

"We left Great Moor Street at the end of the academic year and the First Years were moved into our new building in Sharples."

Ms Coleshaw added: "The delay had been massive due to the geology of the ground, and we still had maybe half a school.

"We lived with corridors ending with a barrier, eating in the admin building and PE on wet days in the library, but progress was always obvious." 

Ms Coleshaw worked at the school through to 2007, when she was forced to retire due to "failing sight".