THREE old school friends, inseparable at Blackburn Tech' 40-plus years ago, are planning a triple 60th birthday bash.

And Chris Parkinson, Pete Holden and Frank Bibby are inviting all their old classmates, to make it a party to remember.

The three, whose birthdays are all within a week of each other, also staged joint 21st celebrations back in 1968 at East Lancs Cricket Club.

Said Chris: "The night was a great success but, unfortunately, we were banned for life from the club - I think for excessive watering of the wicket during the evening's proceedings!"

After 20 years in Canada, Chris now lives in Longridge and Pete in Padiham, while Frank is travelling over from his home in Melbourne especially for the do.

The three attended Blackburn Technical and Grammar School from 1958 to 1963 and played for the school's successful football team, which reached the annual inter school football finals, which were played at Ewood Park, for four years running, from 1959 to 1962.

The usual team was Norman 'Nart' Halton, goalkeeper; Chris Parkinson, right back; Stu Baron, left back; Frank 'Saz' Sowerbutts, right half; Dave Klemm, centre half; Phil 'Flop' Hopwood, left half; Pete Holden, right Wing; Laurence 'Loz' Logan, inside right; Ken Parkinson, centre forward; Frank Bibby, inside left and John 'Wez' Whittle, left wing.

Others who also played were Ray Cowell, Col Marsden, Loz Hayhurst and Phil Townson.

The three particularly want to find Ken Parkinson and Loz Logan, who they have lost contact with, although they have been in touch with gym teacher Stan Whalley in Great Harwood, who looked after the football team and is hoping to attend.

Added Chris: "We also want to find and invite anyone who attended our 21st, such as Judy Smith and her large circle of good looking friends and, indeed, anyone who knew us at the Tech, or through playing football for the YMCA, or who joined us round the pubs on a Friday night.

"I also intend to invite Maggie Lockhead who was our form teacher for several of the years at the 'Tech'."

He also remembers French teacher, Mr. Birtwell, and added: "After spectacular ineptitude resulted in us taking the bottom three positions in the French exam, he advised us to go and play football as we were obviously better at it - I can see the exasperation on his face even now!"

l The party will be held in Longridge social club, on Friday, September 22. You can contact Chris on 01772 784123.