From David Hutchings, Exeter 382594, May 10, 2007

FORMER pupils and staff of St Nicholas Roman Catholic School in Exeter will have a last chance to stroll down Memory Lane and look around the old building before it closes in July.

A brand new school will be opening in September as part of the £15.3 million project to build four new church primaries in the city.

The new school is now being built on the site of the old St Luke's High School in Ringswell Lane.

St Nicholas will be holding a celebration evening on June 22 for anyone who has been connected with the school in its more than 100 years in Exeter and its 34 years on the Matford Lane site.

Chair of governors, Martin Overy, said: "This is not an ending but a new beginning for us.

"The present staff and governors would like all past pupils and staff, and anyone associated with the school in any way, the chance to take a trip down Memory Lane and join in a celebration evening sharing past memories and achievements associated with the school.

"We would also like to appeal to anyone who has stories, anecdotes or photographs they would like to share with us to send them to the school for display.

"If they label them with their name and address then we will return them after the evening.

"There are a surprising number of people who have connections with the school who still live in Exeter. We have quite a few pupils now whose grandparents were here.

"We are growing as a school and educational expectations are growing so this site is no longer viable.

"But we do want to offer people the chance to celebrate the old school and the evening's event will follow celebrations during the day by our present staff and pupils as well as a special Mass."

Headteacher Pat Anzani said: "It's always a privilege to be a head but it's a double privilege to be head of a school where there is the opportunity of a new build.

"It's involved a lot of hard work by governors and staff to get to this point but we are going to have a superb new school with up to date facilities and resources.

"It will allow us to develop as a school community to provide exciting educational opportunities not only for our children but for staff as well."

Mr Anzani said parents and parishioners had already been to visit the new building and were very positive about the facilities.

He said he planned to start a programme of visits for pupils after half term.

NOTE TO NEWS EDS: The celebration evening will be from 7pm to 10pm on Friday, June 22. Further information from Mr Anzani or Mr Overy at the school on 01392 255562.