Who knew that so many people could be recognised from two photos of school pupils.

That has proved the case for friends and relatives of those that saw the pictures from Joan Ellison (nee Laramy), who shared the photos from Loders School in 1954.

Joan was at the school for a few months before she attended Teacher Training College, and thoroughly enjoyed her time there.

She had hoped that through sharing the photos, one or two may recognise themselves or somebody in them, and the response has been as she wished.

With the help of Chuck Willmott and family, as well as Lynette Driver via Ron Tilley, several of the pupils within the pictures have been identified.

Bernard Paull was pupil at the school from 1949 to 1955, before he moved to Bridport Grammar School in 1955.

Bernard, who was 10 years old at the time of the photo, said: "Being one of the older pupils, I was not taught by Miss Laramy but I remember her well.

"Miss Bryan, the head was an excellent and caring teacher. For much of the time she was the only teacher in the school as as such, had to deal with 30 children from the ages of five to 11. She did a remarkable job."

Chuck Willmott also got in touch, as he is the son of the reverend mentioned in the piece, Reverend Oliver Willmott, and his sisters are also pictured.

Chuck said: "The article has kept me busy forwarding emails to my brother and sisters and then passing their replies to others.

"As it was the first time we had seen these photos everyone was keen to identify them and memories flooded back.

"The named photos would make a good addition to Loders Village Hall gallery.

"One ex-pupil has been in touch with my sisters and she has sent her photos of other school events.

"Any more school photos/memories would be most welcome for the 150th celebrations next year."

Chuck is a member of the Loders Local History Group, and is currently working on getting as much information as possible about the school ahead of its 150th anniversary.

He also checked 'The Parish Notes' for August 1954, which was written by his father, who passed away in 1996, and said: "Miss Laramy, the probation teacher who has been helping Miss Bryan, leaves this term for Weymouth College.

"On behalf of the parents of the infants, Terence Line presented her with an equipped sponge bag, and Linette Driver with an alarm clock.

"Mrs Willmott spoke of the regret that parents and children felt at Miss Laramy's departure."

Another person to get in touch is Annelie Burrell (nee Talbot), who lived at Gribb Farm Cottage and attended the school for a year before she moved to Bradpole.

Annelie said: "I have such clear memories of the school and how kind the teacher was.

"I particularly remember one Christmas when Father Christmas came and everyone had a sixpence in their Christmas pudding.

"That seemed like such a lot of money and I can still see the shining silver coin in my bowl, it was a delight.

"Another time a dentist came into school and I remember having gas and lots of teeth out in a very high chair, it was a strange experience to a five year old. They were wonderful simple childhood days I'll never forget."

If you would like to get in touch with Joan to share your memories of the school, or if you have any information you can provide for the school's 150th anniversary, contact the Bridport and Lyme Regis News at news@bridportnews.co.uk and we will forward your details on.