THERE has been much debate recently about the future of grammar schools so it may be of interest that it is 50 years ago this week that the last intake of boys started at the Darlington Grammar School, which dates back to Queen Elizabeth 1.

I was one of approximately 120 lads who walked down Vane Terrace, on September 1, 1967, and one of 30 who joined the Shell 1 form and was placed in the Britons house. The were three other houses – Danes, Normans and Saxons – and forms Shell 2, 3 and 4. Shell 1 was reserved for those whose surnames started with the letters A to C.

Fifty years on, my closest friends are from that original form. Although none have remained in Darlington, we meet up several times a year and I attach a photo from a recent gathering.

David Bean, York.