"OLD boys and girls" from 50 years ago have been back at their Keighley school for its golden jubilee celebrations.

The group of former pupils of Holy Family Catholic School attended a symbolic ceremonial planting last Thursday morning. (Oct 16) The tree planting was staged outside the school for year seven children to represent their ongoing development and growth during their time at Holy Family.

This is the seventh year that Holy Family has arranged the planting event. The goldcrest tree was planted by year seven pupil Shae Eckford and teaching assistant Derek Callon. Mr Callon was a pupil at the newly opened school in 1964.

Also present from the class of 1964 was former head boy Keith Farrington, who now lives in Halifax. He said this was the first time he had been back to Holy Family in 50 years.

Reflecting on what the school had been like five decades ago he said: "It seemed a world away from St Anne's, where I had gone before, which was an old, Victorian school with small corridors and classrooms.

"This new school was absolutely beautiful. The teachers were good and the facilities were fantastic.

"Since then it has developed beyond all recognition. The kids here today are so much more confident than we were."

Christine Moffett, who lives in Oakworth, said she remembered that boys and girls had to play in separate tennis courts during break times.

"We loved coming to this school," she added. "It was so nice and new."

Tony Hennigan, from North Yorkshire, was deputy head boy at Holy Family 50 years ago.

"My three sisters also came to Holy Family, my three daughters came here and if they lived locally my five grandchildren would come here too," he said.

"I have nothing but the highest praise for the school and how it is run."

The tree planting was supervised by year seven progress leader Jess Moran. Addressing the assembled pupils, she said: "This tree is to represent you and your personal and spiritual growth at Holy Family.

"Every time you walk past here you will remember this.

"We're remembering so many people today, because it's such a big celebration for the class of '64. We hope they will come and enjoy all the different events we're holding for our 50th anniversary."

Commenting after the tree planting, she added: "The guests who have joined us today, along with many more, will also be taking a walk back in time on Saturday November 8 for our school open day.

"They will have the opportunity to take a tour of their old school and a chance to look at Holy Family's endless archive of photographs."