FORMER pupils of a Southampton school visited their old stomping ground for one last time.

Woolston School is set to be demolished to make way for 50 new homes.

But before the building in Porchester Road was torn down, a group of former students met up to walk the hallways one last time and to share their school memories.

The visit was organised by the developers of the new property, Radian Group, and Cllr Warwick Payne.

Some of the school’s alumni even donned their old tie for the occasion.

Tim Willcocks, assistant director of land and new homes at Radian said: “We wanted to ensure these former students had the chance to take a trip down memory lane one last time.

“Radian is committed to providing high quality new homes across the south and we are pleased to deliver these much needed family homes and affordable housing for Woolston and the wider Southampton community.

“We have worked closely with Southampton City Council to ensure that our plans will enhance the neighbourhood and deliver positive benefits through the redevelopment of the site.”

The development will comprise 15 three and four-bed homes and 35 one and two-bed apartments, 44 per cent (22 properties) of which will be affordable homes.

Woolston ward councillor Warwick Payne said: “When some former Woolston School pupils suggested they’d like to make one final visit before it was demolished I was determined to do what I could to make it happen for them.

“Thanks to Radian’s help, we managed to get the visit organised just in time, and it was a privilege to accompany the final ‘class’ as they set foot inside the Woolston School gates.

“It was clearly an emotional day to say farewell to such an important part of Woolston’s history, but while the school may be gone, its memory will live on in the hearts of the pupils and it was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with them.”

The site was last used as an annex for the Oasis Academy Mayfield but has been empty since 2011.

Among the former pupils who attended was Diane Bruce-Jones, 58, who said: “The reunion was very emotional for me with my ties and associations with our beloved school.

“Myself and my siblings all attended Woolston School so it was a big part of my life growing up.

“Being sports orientated, I did spend a lot of time in the sports hall, including participating in the staff badminton club held every Thursday evening – being coached by Ron Burlingham, a former history teacher.

"There were a few goose bumps on the day of the visit. It was a lovely event and a great way to remember Woolston School.”