FORMER students came from across the world to attend birthday celebrations at their 100-year-old school.

Around 1,500 ex-pupils gathered for the centenary party of Dartford Grammar School for Girls.

Guests included actress Diana Quick and 103-year old Hilda Downton, who is one of the oldest surviving pupils.

Mrs Downton, of The Drive, Sevenoaks, has many fond memories of her school years in Shepherd's Lane between 1914 and 1919.

She said: "I recall my sister having an attack of the giggles on stage while she was giving a speech on potatoes in a public speaking exercise. I also remember three Zeppelins falling out of the sky in flames during one of the war years."

In the 1960s, it was punishable to be seen with a boy outside school in uniform.

However, ballroom dancing lessons were held in the school with Dartford Boys' Grammar School.

Mick Jagger was the companion of some lucky ladies.

The 1970s saw the opening of the open-air swimming pool and the first micro-computer was installed in 1981.

On looking to the future, deputy headteacher Roger Burgess said: "The growth of technology will no doubt continue to influence teaching significantly, although the same values and ethos will also be taken forward."