TWO former schoolmates who had not met for 50 years were reunited 3,000 miles from home - thanks to a school reunion.

Jenny Tuffin, nee Watson, and Les Emerson, both learnt of the school reunion through the Friends Reunited website.

But they couldn't believe it when they realised they lived barely an hour's drive from each other in Canada.

Now they have both decided to come home to Redcar to take part in the James McKinlay School reunion for pupils who left between 1945 and 1950.

"It's been lovely to come home and see people I haven't met in more than 50 years," said Mrs Tuffin, at former classmate Joan Hart's Redcar home yesterday. "I was planning to come home anyway but they have moved the date of the reunion to accommodate me. I met Les back in Canada after we read about the reunion and realised we lived in the same part of Canada. He's coming over for the reunion next week and we'll all have a great time."

For more details about Tuesday's reunion call Joan on (01642) 477343, or Maureen on (01642) 291969.