AN academy has celebrated 50 years since merging two former schools in to a secondary comprehensive school.

Plume Academy - then the Plume School - was formed in 1970 as a new comprehensive to educate students previously at Maldon Grammar School and Maldon County Secondary School, a secondary modern.

This month former students and staff as well as Maldon MP John Whittingdale and the town's mayor David Ogg, with his wife Sharon, were the guests of honour for an evening which saw principal Carl Wakefield host a look at the past 50 years of Plume.

The audience described and shared their student and staff experience from different and complimentary viewpoints - past and present.

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Elliot Rose, a Year 8 academy student, confidently co-hosted with Mr Wakefield what staff say was a "highly successful and engaging evening".

Gazette: Mr Wakefield delivering his presentationMr Wakefield delivering his presentation

Plume Academy now has a dedicated heritage and archive room which houses memorabilia, photographs, written records, cups, shields and other interesting artifacts which can be viewed by appointment.

Former students and staff are welcome to tour the school by booking a time and day in advance with Chris Barton, lead for marketing, media communications and community engagement, either by email or telephone.

Details can be found on the Plume Academy website at plume.essex.sch.uk.