A PROJECT to revive memories of Leigh's old grammar school system has taken a step closer to coming into fruition after the appointment of three young heritage interns.

Thomas McGrath, Heather Pinnell and Laura Makin will be working alongside the Archives Service at Leigh Town Hall on a £42,000 Heritage Lottery funded year-long scheme to research the old Grammar School system in Leigh.

Creative not-for-profit group Healthy Arts, in association with Wigan Council, Bedford High School and film experts from North Star Digital, is exploring memories of former students of Leigh Grammar School on Manchester Road and Leigh Girls’ Grammar School on Windermere Road, which both officially closed in 1976.

Chair of Healthy Arts Julie McKiernan said: “Participation in the project is growing as people become more aware of our work.

"We want to hear from as many former pupils as possible about their experiences so that the young people gain as much as they can from the project."

Young heritage volunteers from Bedford High School are also being given out-of-school skills development as part of the project and are now in the process of gathering oral histories and artifacts after conducting workshops, with former grammar school pupils or staff.

The project will allow pupils from the school and others interested in heritage to unite and explores attitudes to education, discipline and changes in the curriculum as well.

A celebratory event of the project is set to take place this Summer which will include interactive performances and a photographic display.

There have been workshops organised for old Grammar School pupils to attend and have their memories recorded or share artefacts such as photographs or documents.

Sessions will take place at Bedford High School on Wednesday February 28 from 5pm to 7pm and Saturday, March 3 from 11am to 3pm.

There is also an extra workshop taking place at The Old Grammar School on Railway Road on March 13 from 1pm to 3pm with attendees encouraged to discuss the 11+ exam.

If old Grammar School pupils would like to attend a workshop, contact Martin on 07542 114383, e-mail contactus@healthyarts.org.uk or visit the Archives Service at Leigh Town Hall.

There is also a Facebook page called Leigh Grammar School Heritage Project where anyone interested can find updated information.