OLD boys have travelled from across the globe to attend the grand finale of Nottingham High School's 500th anniversary celebrations.
A weekend of festivities to mark the landmark anniversary begins with a golf day and afternoon tea today.
Former students who now live as far away as Australia, Brazil, and America have flown back to take part in the celebrations.
Among them is former school captain Martin Darke, who has come from Perth, Australia.
He attended the school between 1964 and 1972, spending his final year as school captain.
Mr Darke, 60, who grew up in West Bridgford and Edwalton, said: "I've been planning this trip back for five years. I've been looking forward to it immensely.
"Another old boy who now lives in New South Wales has also been compiling a list of former High School pupils now in Australia. There are about seven or eight of us who have come over."
Mr Darke also captained the school's cricket and rugby teams in his final year.
"The cricket team went undefeated throughout the year I was captain, which was really special," he said.
Mr Darke left the UK in 1976 to work in Hong Kong with the Hongkong Shanghai Banking Corporation. While there, he played international rugby for Hong Kong.
He added: "It's probably about 20 years since I last visited the school. It gave me high-quality teaching, and instilled a strong sense of discipline and respect which persists to this day.
"It gave me wonderful opportunities in sport and played an important part in my life."
Nottingham High School was established in 1513 by Dame Agnes Mellers in memory of her late husband Richard. King Henry VIII sealed the school's foundation deed on November 22, 1512.
The school has run a year-long programme of events to mark reaching the 500th anniversary milestone.
The final weekend of events will also see a school captains' breakfast held tomorrow, attended by six decades of captains and vice captains, the three living headmasters, and former senior masters.
It will be followed by the annual Founder's Day Service at St Mary's Church, in the Lace Market, and the traditional Cheese 'n' Ale ceremony at school. There will be a tethered hot air balloon in the school yard celebrating the 200th anniversary of the first balloon flight from Nottingham.
Headmaster Kevin Fear said: "It is a great privilege to be serving as the 40th headmaster of Nottingham High School, and in particular to have been at the helm during the school's 500th anniversary year.
"We have had a fantastic year re-connecting with Old Nottinghamians from all over the world."
Current school captain Christian Cummings said: "It's an incredible honour and privilege to represent the school during its 500th anniversary.
"It's had an illustrious history and the chance to take part in some of the festivities this year is fantastic."
