IT was back to school for a group of former classmates as they marked 55 years since they started at a Greenock secondary.

The class of 1964 from the old St Columba's in Peat Road reunited on Saturday for a catch-up over dinner and drinks at the Tontine Hotel.

Whilst most of the group still live in and around Inverclyde, there were ex-pupils visiting from as far afield as Bristol and Cardiff.

Eileen McGeer, who is originally from Greenock, helped organise the gathering and was delighted with the turnout.

She said: "It was brilliant.

"Everything was smashing.

"We had a really good time and it was excellent catching up with school stories some had forgotten about. "It was good fun."

The event was run formally for the first time last year and was such a success that another was arranged at the weekend.

It is now expected to become an annual occasion.

Eileen, who now stays in Gourock, said: "Last year was the first time we held a reunion on such a big scale.

"Before that, groups of people had been meeting.

"We kept the date and venue the same and we're hoping to have it again next year because it was such a big success and we all enjoyed it so much.

"It's 55 years since we started first year together. "You never forget your school days and school friends."

Eileen also paid tribute to former classmates Anne McKendrick and Mary Lloyd for pulling it all together.

She said: "They really went to an awful lot of bother to organise it and did a splendid job."