OLD girls from Exeter's Mount St Mary's School are being invited to come together for a reunion in the city.

Reunion planner Cherry Madley, (nee Tuckett) said the event was scheduled for 7pm on Saturday, April 10, at the Isca Bowls Centre, in Summer Lane, Whipton.

The final bell was sounded at the school on January 1, 1997.

With rapidly falling pupil numbers and rising staff costs, it was unable to balance its books.

Its fate was sealed when the Government turned down its bid to become a grant-maintained school.

Among the old girls of Mount St Mary's is Jane Bellamy, who starred in several editions of Coronation Street, in the role of Rita Sullivan's solicitor Leah Mirrelson.

Two years ago more than 70 old girls turned out for a reunion at the same venue and now Mrs Madley is hoping even more might make it this time round.

She said: " I have booked the Isca Bowls Centre again and have ordered the food.

"We will have time to chat before eating as well as during and afterwards.

"I have managed to keep the charge for the evening at £11, the same as our last two reunions."

Those wishing to join in the fun need to contact Mrs Madley as soon as possible.

She said: "You can notify me by email, post or telephone but I must have your £11 by March 27, the week before Easter. When replying please state which years you attended the school as so many ask who is coming from their year.

"People who cannot come for the dinner are welcome to join us for a drink and chat but I need to give the chef an idea of numbers beforehand."

There will be a raffle and Mrs Madley would be grateful for any draw prizes.

Those interested in attending can contact Mrs Madley on 01392 469289, 07885 488592 or email cherry@maysam.co.uk

Meanwhile, former pupils of Exeter's old Bishop Blackall School are also being invited to a reunion.

Phyll Hawkins (nee Sellick) is planning to hold a get together for old girls.

Mrs Hawkins said the event was planned for the Devon Hotel on Wednesday, April 14, and would be a pay-as-you-go coffee and lunch party.

Anyone interested in attending can contact Mrs Hawkins on 01392 258282.