FORMER pupils of Greenock High School who are turning 60 this year are holding to a reunion to mark the milestone.

Lifelong friends Arlene Keogh and Joyce Mitchell are organising the bash, which will take place in the Police Club on May 17.

Their year started high school in 1971, the first year after the comprehensive system was introduced.

It was also unique because they moved on their own to the former St Columba's in Peat Road, while the rest of the school remained in Dunlop Street.

Arlene, nee Creelman, said: "They were happy times.

"We were a particularly close year because we moved to that big building on our own.

"The other years stayed in the existing building in Dunlop Street but there wasn't room for us there, so were were the only pupils in the whole of the building, us and the teachers."

The whole school then moved together to the new building at Spango Valley.

This will be the fourth reunion for the school chums, following successful get-togethers for their 40th, 50th and 55th anniversaries.

It's hoped that the 60th bash will be bigger and better than ever, with former pupils coming as far afield as America.

Arlene, a support worker with Key Housing, said: "Sixty is a big milestone."

Another ex pupil. Joyce Mitchell, whose maiden name was Blaikie, and her husband Cameron were teenage sweethearts at the school.

They have been married for almost 40 years and have two children Gaynor, 37, and Graeme, 33.

Joyce said: "We started going out at school, we were in the same year and we got married in 1980.

"Lots of couples met at the school.

"We were very close-knit we all got on so well."

Arlene's husband Stewart was in the year below and they have a daughter Kimberley who is 34.

Arlene said: "We still keep in touch with girls we were at school with."

The ladies are looking for a good turnout in their special birthday year and tickets priced £10 are available from Joyce on 07904832272 or Arlene on 0787652300.