TEACHERS are appealing for memories of a Pontllanfraith secondary school ahead of its closure later this year.

Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School will close this summer to become part of Islwyn High School and to mark the changes, staff and pupils will hold several “end of era” celebrations.

From music and dance performances, to photography exhibitions and a garden party, staff hope draw the community together again for a final send off between July 12 to July 15.

As piles of archival photos were lost after being stored in a room with Asbestos, the school have since appealed to the community, collecting old photos for displays to commemorate the closure.

Assistant head teacher Lynne Reed, 59, has worked at the school for 29 years and believes the new Islwyn High School marks “exciting times for the school.”

“Although it is a sad time for our school there is a new build that will move us into the 21st Century education,” she said.

“The school opened officially in 1927 and has had an illustrious history of music productions while producing many international sports stars, including [former Wales rugby international] Alun Pask.

“Over the years the school has also never lost its standing in the community. It is still remembered as a grammar school and people still refer to it as that often.”

The school closure will also mark the retirement of teachers Susan Watkins and Annette Dutt, who first met in the summer of 1980 while interviewing for jobs at Pontllanfraith Comprehensive on the same day.

“We’re both coming towards the end of our careers and I think there should be new staff,” Mrs Watkins said.

“I feel incredibly sad as Pontllanfraith Comprehensive has been such a huge part of our lives. We have lived and breathed it.”

Another aspect aspect of the “end of era” celebrations will see several open days inviting past pupils who attended pre-1960s, 1960-1990 and 1990 -2015.

Other events include a concert for past members of staff on Tuesday, July 12, a community concert on Wednesday, July 13 and a garden party on Friday, July 15.

Head of Welsh, Mrs Dutt added: “The 1980-1990s were the glory years and we had lots of productions ranging from the Sound of Music to Bugsy Malone.

“It is the end of an era and as we’re shutting, it is right that the older members of staff should retire.”

For more information on the events or to submit old photos of Pontllanfraith Comprehensive, contact 01495 224929.

Alternatively, search "Pontllanfraith Grammar Technical School" on Facebook.