A GROUP of former class mates toasted 58 years since they walked out of their Dagenham school gates for the final time. Twelve ex-pupils of Erkenwald Secondary Modern, which once stood off Longbridge Road, before being demolished, celebrated their sixth a

A GROUP of former class mates toasted 58 years since they walked out of their Dagenham school gates for the final time.

Twelve ex-pupils of Erkenwald Secondary Modern, which once stood off Longbridge Road, before being demolished, celebrated their sixth annual reunion last Friday.

The men, who graduated in 1951 and are all aged 73, travelled from across the country to reminisce about their school days.

Organiser Sydney Hazel said the event, held at the White Horse Pub in Barking, was enjoyed by all and added:"We have lots of wonderful memories from our time at Erkenwald and it was great fun to look at each others photos and share stories.

"A lot of us played sports together so there was a fair bit of talk about football, cricket, and boxing."

Sydney, who has retired to Norfolk, says lessons in his day were far stricter than what pupils experience today.

"There was a lot of discipline. If you messed about in class you got the cane. Sometimes four lashings."

One person who felt the sting of the cane on a regular basis was Fred Anderson.

"He was a bit of a rebel, always getting into some kind of trouble. He's still a bit of a tearaway today actually" laughs Sydney.

Fred was awarded 'Erk of the Year 2009' at this year's reunion for "Incessant and Non-stop Story Telling."

If you graduated from Erkenwald in 1951 and would like to attend next year's reunion call Sydney on 01692 407979.