ALTHOUGH it had been 20 years since their school days, when former Bury Grammar School girls were reunited it was as if they had never been apart.

More than 30 former students attended the reunion at the weekend for girls who went to the school between 1973 and 1980.

"It was quite bizarre," said Helen Hartley (38), who left Bury Grammar in 1980. "Nobody had changed. Even after all these years our characters had not changed. We all recognised each other straight away which was really surprising."

The memories began flooding back for the ladies when they met up for a "sumptious" meal at the Old Girls association annual dinner in the junior common room of the boys school on Friday (Oct 6) . This was followed by a tour of their old school next day. "We noticed there has been a massive amount of expansion since we were there. Every space now seems to have been filled. The art work was superb. There's been very positive school progression."

Helen, who in her school days lived in Prestwich, but now lives in Watford, said she had fond memories of her school years and believes the school has had a lasting influence on her life.

"People were saying at the reunion that the school has instilled a strong level of discipline in us. I know if I arrange to meet an old school friend they will arrive on time. The school taught us to strive to do the best we could."

According to Helen, the ladies spent the day reminiscing and chatting about their school days.

"We all seemed to have enjoyed our school days."