ONE of the oldest schools in the country has set itself a challenge - to track down its oldest living former pupil.

Ripon Grammar School has a long and illustrious history and can trace its origins to as far back as Saxon times.

Now staff want to trace the school’s oldest surviving pupil - who may well have studied there long before the Second World War.

They want him or her to be the guest of honour at their Grand Summer Draw evening and also to invite him or her back to the school to share memories with the pupils. He or she can also see how school has changed in more recent years.

The school’s history can be traced back as far as the seventh century and in 2005 it celebrated its 450th anniversary since its re-founding in 1555.

Headmaster Martin Pearman said: “It would be good to re-acquaint ourselves as a school with former students and I hope we will find our oldest surviving former student.”.

The draw on July 11 is open to all and all the money raised will go towards the upkeep of the school minibus and the purchase of new speakers for the school hall.

Parents Association chair Jonathan Tearle said: ““It would be wonderful to trace the oldest ex pupil from Ripon Grammar School and particularly poignant for that person to draw the winning raffle tickets.

"I hope that all the school’s ex-pupils and members of our community are interested in this and able to help with the search.”

The winning tickets will be picked in Squiffy’s wine bar on July 11. They are on sale at Squiffy’s and the Wakeman’s House Café in Market Square. Details of all the prizes are on the school website -ripongrammar.co.uk