FORMER pupils of Joseph Rowntree School in York are invited to join in the school's 60th anniversary celebrations this year.

A collective invitation has been issued to anyone who has attended the school in New Earswick to a garden party to be held on Saturday, July 6.

The school opened to pupils in January 1942, but it was officially opened by the then President of the Board of Education and future Conservative Minister "Rab" Butler, on July 7 the same year.

Like the village of New Earswick and its primary school before it, the secondary school was part of the vision of Joseph Rowntree and then his son, Benjamin Seebohm Rowntree.

At the time of its opening, the school was seen to be a model for the future, a precursor to the secondary modern and comprehensive schools that were to come, as it offered agricultural and vocational courses as well as academic subjects.

Since then, thousands of pupils have passed through its corridors and the school is now a large comprehensive serving an area including New Earswick, Haxby and Wigginton.

Cayte Mulhern, a member of the diamond jubilee celebration committee, said: "We hope the garden party will be a chance for past and present students to reminisce and there are going to be various events throughout the day, with music, stalls and entertainment."

She said a message put on the old school pupils' website, friendsreunited.co.uk, had already attracted a lot of interest.

"Groups of ex-students are already organising their own parties and reunions for the year.

"If any former pupils are interested in playing a part in organising this year's garden party or other activities, please contact the school."

The school shares its diamond jubilee year with the 100th anniversary of New Earswick village and the 90th anniversary of the primary school.

Head teacher Hugh Porter said: "This is a special year for the school. We've already had a lot interest from former students and we want to encourage as many people as possible to get in touch."

The school phone number is 01904 768107.

Updated: 10:59 Wednesday, January 23, 2002