MORE than 70 years on and Monica O'Driscoll is to become a familiar face in her old school corridors once again.

The 89-year-old went back to St Anne's Catholic School to receive a very special present - a portrait of herself which is to be hung at the school.

Monica revisited her old school in Bedford Place for the unveiling of her portrait which was painted by one of the school's more recent students.

Former A-level art and design pupil Vicki Taylor, who left St Anne's in 2004, created the picture of Monica to mark the school's centenary celebrations last year.

As one of the catholic school's oldest living ex-pupils Monica made the perfect subject for the 19-year-old artist.

Monica, who attended St Anne's from 1923 to 1934 when she was known by her first name Agnes, was delighted when the painting was revealed in a special viewing at the school.

"It's a real privilege to have your portrait painted by an artist," she said. "It's wonderful - a really good likeness."

Monica, who went on to become a teacher, has fond memories of playing for St Anne's netball team and being made a prefect. She also enjoyed art lessons but said she never had the special talent shown by Vicki. "Vicki has worked really hard on this. It's a great portrait," she added.

Vicki, from Warsash, is now studying illustration at Kingston University in Surrey. She said: "I'm pleased with the result. I haven't done a painting of this size for quite a while. The school asked me to do the portrait for the centenary celebrations last year and we thought Monica was a good subject because she has such a nice, interesting face."

All that remains now is for new head teacher Beverley Murtagh and head of art Sue Spender to decide on a suitable spot in which to show off the portrait.