FORMER Malmesbury School pupil Vanda Kilpin has finally been reunited with her old school chums from 59 years ago.

Miss Kilpin, 74, who now lives near Toronto in Canada, had not seen any of her fellow pupils since 1943, but on Thursday she had an emotional reunion with them at the Knoll House Hotel.

She said: "I had been looking forward to it but I was very pensive before I arrived. I didn't know what to expect. I was nervous that it would not work out, but as soon as we met again it was great."

Miss Kilpin was evacuated from London to Brinkworth to stay with an aunt just a few days after war was declared in September 1939. She attended Malmesbury School.

She said: "I loved it and I didn't want to leave, but my mum in London said I should go back. Since then I have thought a lot about being at school."

Mrs Rosemary Exton, who organises the annual reunions for former Malmesbury pupils, said: "Vanda was very good at hockey and would charge down the middle of the pitch. You were always very glad when you were picked to be on the wing when she was playing."

Miss Kilpin said: "I have had a wonderful time meeting such old faces. I would love to make the trip again."