A SCHOOL has commemorated its famous former pupils by inducting them to its own hall of fame.

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, West Park Road, Blackburn has around 30 pictures of famous 'old boys' and 'old girls' hanging from the wall outside the school's dining hall.

And yesterday the QEGS Hall of Fame was officially launched by Wayne Hemingway, founder of the Red or Dead fashion label, and a pupil at the school between 1972 and 1979.

The fashion designer talked to pupils and teachers as he was shown his own picture, which hangs next to other famous sons of the school, like pioneering scientist Sir Ernest Marsden and premiership footballer James Beattie.

The Hall of Fame was created by the school's development director Phil Lloyd.

He said: "It was something I thought would benefit the school.

"It started with sports stars really because of footballer James Beattie and Nick Dougherty, the England golfer, who were former pupils here.

"But I thought there are a lot of other people who went to this school who have achieved things in all different walks of life and I thought it would be nice to remember them too.

"I approached each of them as individuals and asked them if they would mind taking part."

Wayne recalled memories of his old school teachers during the visit.

He said: "I remember school being fun more than anything.

"I remember having a laugh with my friends, as well as doing well in my exams.

"I am still in touch with many of the friends I went to school with, mainly because of going to watch Blackburn Rovers.

Wayne, who now lives in London, added: "It has always been a very successful school.

"I have no doubts that I would want my children to come to this school if I still lived in Blackburn.

"I am all in favour of this project because it shows current pupils that there is life after school.

"It also gives pupils someone to look up to because sometimes people do not have the right role models."

The school, which will be 500 years old in 2009, has almost 800 pupils and has a history of producing leading sports and business people.

Former pupil Richard Bowker, former chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority, is currently on a shortlist of three to be the next chief executive of the Football Association.