A SCHEME to allow old college friends to catch up with each other has been launched.

East Durham College said the new alumni initiative is for former students and staff of its Houghall Campus in Durham.

Friends of Houghall provides former students and staff with the opportunity to visit the college, get updates on developments at the campus and the chance to meet up with old friends.

The scheme is being headed up by college governor and veterinary surgeon Jane Weeks and backed by Principal Suzanne Duncan.

Mrs Duncan said: “Houghall has a long and proud heritage. We know many of our former students and staff have a very strong bound with the college, especially those students that studied there when we offered student accommodation.

“We really want to get former Houghall students reengaged with the college, particularly those who are working in, or who have worked in, land based industries and could help the college in many valuable ways, be that through offering students work experience, work placements or coming back to Houghall to give specialist talks to our current students.”

There is no cost to join and members will get to attend an annual event.

The first event is planned for Tuesday July 23 from 5.30pm-7pm, when a free buffet and drinks will be served.

Anyone interested in joining, should email enquiries@eastdurham.ac.uk to register