FRIENDS of Birchwood High School past and present are gathering this weekend to celebrate a special anniversary.

September marks two decades since Birchwood Community High School opened its doors to its first cohort of young people and former staff, pupils and friends will be marking the event with a ball this weekend.

The Guardian ran a feature back in September 1985 when the school first opened with 180 pupils and 14 teachers. The school has gone from strength to strength over the decades and after extensions the school now has 932 pupils and 90 staff, including 55 teachers.

Among the original 14 teachers from 20 years ago, six are still there, including the head teacher Shelia Yates and deputy head Anne Bright. Those still remaining on the governing body after two decades are Councillor Pauline Nelson and Barry Sanson, chairman of governors.

The anniversary ball will be held on Saturday, September 24.

Tickets are priced £25 and the event is open to anyone over 16 who has been involved with the school in anyway.

Former staff, students and their parents are particularly welcome.

Please contact the school office on 827322 for tickets.

The school will also be holding a thanksgiving assembly on September 30.