ST NICHOLAS Catholic High School celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special visitor.

The school was founded in September 1965, and welcomed the Bishop of Shrewsbury to share in the celebrations.

The Right Reverend Mark Davies led a full school mass in the afternoon before unveiling a plaque to commemorate the anniversary.

“The school was pleased to welcome Bishop Mark Davies to help celebrate 50 years since its founding,” said a school spokesman.

“St Nicholas’ outstanding success and popularity meant the school community now supports well over 1,200 students.

“In these 50 years generations of local families have passed through its doors, with the result that many present students and staff have long-standing links with the school.

“The student body, together with school governors, local parish priests, teaching and support staff, filled to overflowing the main hall and sports hall as Bishop Davies spoke of the dedication of the school to providing the highest standard of education to all students and its continuing commitment to the wider community.

“Bishop Davies was also pleased to unveil a plaque commemorating this milestone in the life of St Nicholas’ and looking forward to many more years of outstanding service.”

The school opened as a secondary modern on September 6, 1965, with Michael O’Connor as its first head teacher and Father R Velarde, parish priest of St Wilfrid’s, Northwich, as the school’s first chairman of governors.

It was built at a cost of £160,000, two-thirds of which was raised by Roman Catholic worshippers through the local churches, the remainder being funded by the local authority.

Events are planned to mark the anniversary, and people are invited to send in school pictures from the past 50 years.

“If people have any historical pictures to share of the school, or know a previous classmate or teacher who would like to be included in our look back to the last 50 years, please email them to alumni@st-nicholas.cheshire.sch.uk,” said the school.

“We are also planning a number of events throughout the year to celebrate our anniversary, so please keep up to date with our events listings and news.”