Pupils pay last visit to former Bognor Regis Grammar School

The 150 men and women whose lives revolved around its classrooms enjoyed the chance for the nostalgic glimpse into the past before the school is demolished.

They had travelled from as far away as Europe and Scotland for the special occasion. They were not disappointed.

The twinges of sadness at the disappearance of a building so important to a section of their lives were matched by the success of the occasion which reminded everyone about the happiness and success of the school.

Colin Crouch, who was its head of English, paid tribute to the school's headmaster, the late Charles Besly. He pointed out the ethos of any school was very much a reflection of the head's ideals and visions.

"Without Charles Besly, we would not be able to look back with such affection to those school days so many years ago. We all owe him a great debt of gratitude," he said.

Bognor Regis Grammar School existed on Pevensey Road between 1958 and 1967 when it became a comprehensive school.

It buildings are in their final days as the lower school of Bognor Regis Community College before they are demolished in the summer to be replaced in September by the new Regis School.

This made the reunion, the latest of several to be held by former head of science David Gadd, the most poignant of all.

The school's ageing hall was transformed by linen tablecloths and decorative balloons in the old school colours.