AN appeal has gone out to former staff, students and teachers from a York school inviting them to come forward and help celebrate the school’s 200th anniversary.

A special email address has been set up so people who used to go to, or work at, Manor CE School can to send their anecdotes and photographs, plus a head and shoulders photo of themselves and the dates when they were at the school.

Contributions will be considered for use in a hardback book, being put together to mark the occasion, in a chapter called My Manor.

Deputy head teacher David Crane, who has taught at Manor since 1980, is leading the production of the book and organising the celebrations.

He said: “Over the past 200 years, tens of thousands of people have been educated at Manor, over six sites. First of all at the Merchant Taylor’s Hall, in Aldwark, and then at King’s Manor where the school gets its name.

“We’ve already identified some fascinating stories and these, plus a full history and glimpse into our archives, will make compelling reading.”

A copy of the book will be given to all pupils currently at the school. Further copies will go on sale next year with all proceeds going to the school.

Mr Crane said: “The project has been sponsored by Charles Chisholm, chief executive of Future Cleaning and a former Manor pupil. He has some really happy memories of the school and has been very generous. Pullman buses have also helped with transport for our special Minster celebration.”

The school also has various events planned throughout the year, including a special founder's day dinner on March 13, at the Merchant Taylor's Hall, with guests including Lord Willis, the former MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, whose children went to the school, and the Archbishop of York's wife, Margaret Sentamu.

On May 21, there is a special service planned at York Minster and during the week beginning June 25, the school will hold a week of events based around the anniversary and the Olympics.

Emails should be sent to mymanor@mce.york.sch.uk or phone Mr Crane on 01904 520069.

Memorabilia can be dropped in an envelope with contact details at the school's reception or posted to My Manor, Manor CE School, Millfield Lane, Nether Poppleton, York YO26 6PA.