THE OLD school bell will ring once again for former East Ward Secondary Modern school pupils.

And the Bury Times Old Pals page has been instrumental in reuniting a small group of "youngsters" who on Saturday September 28 will get together for the first time in 50 years.

The Red Lion Hotel in Hawkshaw will be the venue for the cabaret and dinner celebration for five former pupils.

Mr Peter Batty, who has organised the event, said: "Despite several adverts and appeals on other websites it was only when the Bury Times printed my calls for a reunion in the paper and on its website did we get a response.

"We have only managed to find a few ex-East Warders to attend this year's reunion, but I would be keen to hear from any others out there who would like to join us for an even bigger reunion next year."

Mr Batty can be contacted on 01634 681712.

And the East Ward Secondary Modern celebrations don't just end there.

On October 4, the Bolholt Hotel in Walshaw will see around 20 ex-pupils gather for the first time since 1969 and 1971.

Organiser Mr Donald Bailey said: "Most left in 1969 and 1970, but some of us stayed on until 1971. We would welcome anyone from East Ward school to attend."

The meal and cabaret costs £18.95 and bookings can be made through Mr Bailey on 764 4626.

If you are trying to trace old pals or are interested in finding out whether they are seeking you, why not visit the Bury Times Old Pals website at www.thisisbury.co.uk

For inclusion in our occasional Old Pals page in the Bury Times, send your requests for information, including a contact name and address, to: Terry Morgan, Bury Times, Market Street, Bury, or send an e-mail marked OLD PALS to terry.morgan@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk