PUPILS past and present are all in the frame to celebrate 50 years of Elton High.

A party in the school's newly-landscaped Monet Garden will follow an evening reunion for former pupils.

The school, which was a secondary modern until 1974, was opened on its Walshaw Road site to replace the old Elton Council School.

Pupils from the earliest days will be present, with first head girl Anne Carroll due to officially open the picture garden as part of proceedings.

The reunion for all past pupils is to be held on Friday, July 9, at the Bolholt Hotel. The garden party is the following day, when cream teas will be served. There will be music from a string quartet and a rock concert featuring pupils' own bands on the back field.

The day also features community stalls, face painting and displays by Greater Manchester Fire Service and the Army.

Fun for youngsters includes a bouncy castle and bouncy obstacle course.

Food will include Indian and Chinese cuisine, with a barbecue and beer tent also organised.

Since it opened the school has seen its pupil roll grow from 370 students to just under 1,000.

Mr Neil Scruton said: "This will be a marvellous celebration of the durability of the school and its service to the area.

"People who have been to this school have a very strong affinity with it."

Gina Holt, head of art, said: "The idea is to get everyone involved in the celebration, with current pupils taking part and enjoying it as much as those who left years ago."

Admission to the garden party is 50p, with tickets to the reunion party costing £15.

They can be bought by contacting the school on 763 1434.