TWO childhood friends who moved away and spent 20 years unaware they were living in the same village are organising a school reunion.

Pat Kershaw, known to her classmates as Pat Johnson, left Consett, County Durham, in 1974.

After living in Bristol, she moved to a village near Wakefield, West Yorkshire. It was there that, more than two decades later, she bumped into her former classmate, Leslie Rolfe, born Leslie Anderson.

"We realised we had been living in the same area for more than 20 years," said Mrs Kershaw.

"We laughed to think we had probably stood next to each other in the queue at the supermarket."

The pair returned to north Durham for a long weekend earlier this year, revisiting childhood haunts.

They met up with a mutual friend, Wendy Atkinson, and between them have organised a reunion for pupils who were the first intake into the new Consett Grammar School in 1957.

"We have been like kids with a new toy," said Mrs Kershaw.

"It is lovely being back in touch with them and the reunion is really snowballing."

More than 30 people have already signed up, including three former teachers.

The event takes place at the Raven Hotel in Ebchester, near Consett, on October 16, from 7.30pm.

Anyone interested in attending should contact Mrs Kershaw on (07962) 260003, or Mrs Rolfe on (07811) 987523.