A former Moor Row man's final return to his hometown has paved the way for a sell-out reunion.

When Eric Thompson informed old friends he would be coming back to the village, it sparked plans for a special gathering.

Past and present residents of Moor Row and Scalegill will get together on Saturday, September 9.

Organisers - Brenda Powe, Barbara Rennoldson, Glenda Lopez, Raymond Cranke and Brenda Irving - have arranged the catch-up, for over 50s, in Moor Row Working Men's Club.

Mrs Rennoldson, who has lived in Moor Row for 40 years, said: "A gentleman called Eric Thompson is coming from Australia.

"He said it would probably be the last time he comes back home and he would like to get together with a few people.

"We thought, why not have a full village reunion? We've got people coming from all over, we've been really surprised."

The reunion, which begins at 6pm, includes a buffet and entertainment from Phil Anthony.

All 160 tickets have already been sold for the night, which will see some people reunited with friends for the first time in decades.

And organisers are hoping to recreate an old Moor Row School photograph.

"A lot of people are going who are in the photo so we will see how many of them are there," said Mrs Rennoldson. "We were surprised how quick it sold out.

"We've got people coming from Nottingham, Carlisle and Penrith, all different places. One lad who is coming said he hasn't seen one of his old friends for more than 50 years."

For more information, contact Brenda Irving on 01946 820236.