BY LAWREN MATHEWS

Renfrew High School has been celebrating a milestone after reaching the grand old age of 110.

And, to make things twice as much fun, pupils and staff marked the occasion by staging their annual Christmas concert.

The event featured more than 40 performers from the school’s band and choir, as well as several talented soloists.

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A popular performance came from the soul band, who played a tribute to Aretha Franklin, led by deputy headteacher Derek Milligan on bass guitar, who was looking cool in his Santa hat and sunglasses.

Headteacher Billy Burke said: “What a fantastic performance from everybody involved – from those who were behind the scenes, organising and preparing, to our star performers.

“The performances seem to get better every year.

“We hold Christmas concerts because it’s a time of year where, whatever people’s beliefs or faith, we can come together as a school community.”

Paul Price, head of expressive arts at Renfrew High, helped to select songs for the special festive show.

He said: “The 110th anniversary was a theme for a few of the songs.

“We decided to finish the first half with Amazing Grace because it was a non-Christmas item.”

To celebrate the big birthday, pupils have been researching the history of the school, which first opened its doors in 1908 and has been based in Glebe Street and Haining Road over the decades.

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Renfrew High was even used as an Army storage hub during the First World War.

Mr Burke is now hoping to implement learning about the school’s history as part of the curriculum for first year pupils.