Kerry Friend ( nee Mockett ) is appealing for anyone who went to St Mary's Gate School in Belle Vue Road, Southbourne, to come to a reunion on October 1 at St Katherine's Church Hall, Southbourne, from 4pm.

Kerry, a pupil at the private school for several years, left in 1985, three years before the school closed.

St Mary's began as Grassendale School and by 1914 was 'a high-class young ladies' school. Kathleen Cook took over the school in 1950 and ran it single handed, greatly improving the buildings, gardens and academic standards.

For details on the reunion contact Kerry at bigstoryworker@btinternet.com or 07876028381.