FORMER Bolton School pupils now living in America will meet up next month in New York for their first ever reunion . . .

The unique get-together will be held when the Boys' Division head teacher flies out to appeal for cash.

Bolton School is making the American connection with its former pupils in a bid to raise cash for its Open Door Appeal, which replaces the axed assisted places scheme.

Star ex-pupils of the school who went to work in America have donated thousands of dollars to the school following news that the Government has scrapped the assisted places scheme.

The school has responded by sending out its Director of Development, David Poppitt and the Boys Division Headmaster, Alan Wright to New York, where they will meet up with the recently retired Chairman of Governors and former school captain, Lord Bob Haslam of Bolton, a former Chairman of British Steel and British Coal.

Former pupils will travel to the Harvard Club in New York from across the United States for the reunion event on June 2, which will include a slide show of "Cool Bolton."

About 40 per cent of pupils receive financial help towards their fees, expected to be around £4,997 for the September intake, which will need to be financed from the school's own fundraising efforts.

Mr Poppitt said: "One American Old Boltonian has already given a six figure sum and Lord Haslam and I will be meeting him and several other donors with a view to broadening the appeal throughout the United States.

"There are hundreds of successful former pupils out there, including top surgeons and lawyers."

"I was brought in three years ago to prepare for this situation and in the time since the Open Door Appeal started last year, nearly a million pounds has come in either through direct giving, covenanting or the generosity of companies associated with the school"

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.