A FORMER teacher has returned to the classroom to help a school mark its 50th anniversary.

Stan Josephs went back to Thirsk School, where he taught history and French from 1958 to 1963, to help it celebrate half a century of learning.

His visit was part of a year of anniversary events that the school, in Topcliffe Road, has planned.

Mr Josephs said: "It is quite an achievement and I think this is one of the best schools I have ever seen. The size of the school has almost doubled from when I was here, and the kids are more relaxed.

"Thirsk can be very proud of its education facilities."

The 81-year-old, who lives in South Terrace, near the school, spent time in lessons yesterday.

He helped launch 1,500 balloons, one for each pupil, to help mark the anniversary.

Before 1957, there was Thirsk Grammar School and a second state high school that took pupils aged 11 to 14.

In September 1957, Thirsk School opened while building work on it was still taking place.

Lessons were split between the neighbouring grammar school and the new school until the work ended.

The school was officially opened on October 21, 1961, by MP Kenneth Thompson, the then-Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education.

Current headteacher Chris Lewis said: "We have a series of events lined up to celebrate the birthday.

"We are even doing Seven Brides for Seven Brothers for the school production, just as it was in 1957."

The school has released a DVD called Thirsk Grammar and Modern School, showing life in 1960, for £4.

It also aims to put up five display boards showing items from the school's history, and is appealing for a Fifties girl's school uniform for it.

A staff reunion will be held on November 8, with details from the school.

The school's biggest anniversary event will take place on June 28, next year, when it will hold a reunion day on the site for pupils and staff.

To help with the anniversary celebrations or to buy a DVD, call Pauline Simpson on 01845-522024