MORE than 700 former pupils of Worcester Girls’ Grammar School gathered to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

The centenary service was held on Saturday at Worcester Cathedral and featured a rendition of the recently rediscovered school anthem.

Worcester Girls’ Grammar School opened in 1908, and in 1971 an anthem was commissioned and composed for the school, sung by pupils every year at their valedictory service.

But when the school, which was based on the site of Worcester Sixth Form College, closed in 1984, the music was lost.

Part of the manuscript was recently found and with the help of Dr Donald Hunt of the Elgar School of Music, it was performed again.

Old Girls’ Association secretary Delrene Whiting said it was an enjoyable day.

“It was just wonderful,” she said. “In the cathedral there was a choir of 60 old girls conducted by Joan Willis singing our anthem with organist Dr Donald Hunt. It was a very special day for us.”

The service included readings and prayers by a number of former pupils, as well as recollections of people’s memories of the school. Visitors came from all over the world for the event, including France, Norway and Canada.

“We were amazed at how many people turned up,” said Mrs Whiting.