A GROUP of schoolfriends from York were reunited after more than 40 years apart - thanks to the Evening Press.

Sue Kelly, who now lives in Australia, got in contact with her old friends Peter White and his sister, Jennifer Heckles, through our website, www.thisisyork.co.uk.

The friends, who all lived in Viking Road, Acomb, and grew up together, had tea at the Mansion House with the Lord Mayor, Coun Charles Hall, to celebrate the reunion.

Sue, who moved to Australia in 1958, said: "Because I was born in York, I found the website and thought that it would be interesting, I then found the ex-pats section.

"I was very surprised when I got the email from Peter. I was very excited and very happy."

The pair started sending emails two years ago and then decided to meet up when Sue and her sister, Judith Donovan, came to the UK.

It is the first time Sue has been back to the UK since moving away and she will be spending two weeks visiting old friends and sight-seeing.

Sue said: "It was quite emotional when we saw each other for the first time. York hasn't changed much apart from more buildings on the riverside. I hope this will encourage more people to use the ex-pat site - it's really good."

Updated: 09:33 Saturday, April 17, 2004