MORE than 200 former pupils of Fairway Secondary Modern School in Sandown swapped stories of what they were doing now and remembered their schooldays at a reunion.

The 206 former pupils attended the school between 1953, when it opened, and 1970 when it became a comprehensive school after it merged with neighbouring Sandown Grammar School during the national school re-organisation.

Among the former pupils who made the trip to the Isle of Wight included four who came all the way from Australia.

Other former pupils made the journey from the mainland to attend the re-union, held at the Sandown Hurricanes clubhouse.

An exhibition of old school photographs was on display and former geography and PE teacher, Bob Welch, now 90 and thought to be the last surviving member of teaching staff, also attended.

Mr Welch, who lives in Shanklin, was brought to the event by his son.

The re-union was the brainchild of former pupil, Denis Rumbold, 66.

Denis, who became a draftsman and worked for Plessey after passing his 'O' levels, said he had run into many old friends including classmates who had been in the same form as him all through school between 1963 and 1968.

Denis has also formed a Facebook site to which both pupils, and their children and grandchildren, contribute to help people keep in touch.

He said: "It was great to see people you had not seen for so many years."

Denis was presented with £325 worth of vouchers following a collection at the event.

The next re-union will take place in five years time.