SQUEALS of laughter filled a Widnes pub as ‘schoolgirls’ who hadn’t seen each other for 52 years met up.

They left Fairfield High School for Girls in 1959 and asked The World to help trace their friends.

Organiser, Joyce Houghton, nee Dunbavin, aged 66, of Cronton, said: “I can’t thank The World enough.

“You put us in touch with friends we couldn’t find.”

Women were delighted to see their former teacher, Rene Jones, of Widnes, now in her 80s, and friends they feared they’d never see again.

Former pupil, Linda Jones, came from Blackpool after her brother spotted the appeal in The World.

Joyce, said:”There were screams and laughter, hugs and kisses.

“We were all chattering away. There were big smiling faces.

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

They’ve vowed to keep in touch.

Joyce added: “The icing on the cake was finding my best friend, Kerry Owen, in Runcorn, through The World.

“Now, we’ve found each other, we’re not going to let go.”