HALF a century at the heart of a Worcester community was celebrated by a city secondary school.

Students and staff at Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College welcomed His Grace, Archbishop Ber-nard Longley, to Tim-berdine Avenue where he led a 50th anniversary mass.

The school’s two emeritus principals, John Ley and Frank Doran, were also in attendance, along with former deputy principal Mary Amphlett and former assistant principal, Tom Hurley, and influential figures from past and present.

Principal, Sean Devlin, said: “The 50th anniversary of the college is testimony to all the hard work and dedication of many people over 60 years.

“For so many ex students and staff who visited the college over the last two weeks many commented on the ethos and warm atmosphere that still prevails in the school.

“For current staff and students the anniversary marks the sacrifice and commitment of past colleagues and students and the commencement of another 50 years of development in what is an ever changing education environment and one of uncertainty. What we do know is that Catholic education will remain central to the education system in England and Wales.”

The initial drive for a Catholic secondary school in Worcester came from the Jesuits from 1953 onwards, led by Father Kevin Kav-anagh. It was founded in 1963 and named after Ed-ward Oldcorne, a Jesuit priest executed in 1606 for his part in the Gunpowder plot.

The hard work of Mr Doran and his staff, along with the support of parents, governors and pupils, enabled the school to develop and grow until 1985, when Mr Ley took over headship until 2001. Mr Devlin has been principal since then.

A further anniversary mass was held in the college on July 19 and an anniversary dinner took place at Worcester Warriors Sixways Stadium in the evening.

All students, staff and guests at the anniversary mass received a canonisation prayer card for Blessed Edward Oldcorne, an anni-versary pen and a mug.

Students enjoyed a picnic lunch while Archbishop Ber-nard Longley, guests and staff were invited to a buffet in the college hall.