MEMORIES of Stand Grammar School could be captured on film for years to come as a lasting reminder of many happy years spent there.

The magnificent old building, which has stood on the Church Lane site since 1913 but has more than 300 years of teaching excellence to its name, is to be demolished this year to make way for new houses.

And members of the Old Standians' Association are hoping to compile a commemorative video so the school will continue to be remembered.

Honorary secretary of the association Tony Wilding said: "We have found two rolls of old film in the school and would appeal to anyone who has any more to get in touch with us. It would be great to put the footage together to make a video that can be sold to interested parties." The original Stand Grammar School dates back to 1688 when it was founded by Henry Siddall in Ringley Road, and it has produced many famous sons, including Clive of India and ITN journalist Lawrence McGinty.

Mr Wilding added that the animated historical document could be an invaluable resource to local schools to help teach them about education over the decades.

The two films, which have been passed on to Bury Cine Society, are on 16mm rolls of film taken from the late 1960s to early 1970s.

Discovered in a store room and a woodwork room, the films, which are black and white and silent, feature a variety of school events including a gym display in the hall, football matches and a sponsored walk through Radcliffe.

Mr Wilding added: "There is even footage of pupils learning to drive at the old race track at Castle Irwell, Salford. It's great as it shows all the old Triumph Heralds. The Association president was recognised on one of the films, so we have all had a good laugh about him in his gym kit!"

Anyone who has any 16mm film of Stand Grammar, regardless of what condition it is in, can contact Mr Wilding on 0161 763 9002 (home) or 0161 797 6000 (work).

Work on the site, by Alfred McAlpine Homes, is expected to commence within the next few months.