Looking back at school days in Wrexham and Flintshire

Our school days are some of our most memorable, good and bad.

It's where lifelong friendships are made, first crushes are developed, and where for some of us we discover a path into a future career.

Sharing some of his own school memories and photos, reader John Jones, from Wrexham, takes us on a nostalgic trip back to the classroom...

"These are school photographs of mine from the late 1950s to early 1960s when I was a pupil at Ponciau Primary School.

"There is the class group photograph, and one which was taken a little later, of the boys enjoying a craft lesson.

"Looking from Mrs Davies, left to right are Robert (Bobby) Andrews, Eryl Jones, Edward Edwards, John Jones, Derek Evans, Richard Dodd and Stephen Phillips.

"I'm confident I've identified everyone correctly but it was over 60 years ago!

"This was when nursery and pre-school were something into the future, so I was five years of age when I began school.

"Imagine after being at home with mum for all that time, how traumatic being taken to school on my first day and left with strangers was.

"I recall the provision of fresh orange juice and milk in glass bottles to give us healthy and active minds.

Class picture courtesy of John Jones, from Ponciau Primary School.

"In the early part it was considered useful to give the children some 'quiet time', so in the afternoon we were given straw mats to lie on and relax.

"I never established whether this was for our benefit or the teachers'.

"We were offered the opportunity to contribute to a savings scheme whereby, on a weekly basis, we bought savings stamps.

"There was one which cost sixpence or half a Crown (2/6d). Needless to say I never made my fortune on a sixpenny stamp.

"The headmaster at this time was Mr Hughes. Anyone who attended Ponciau will never forget Mr John Frederick Owen. Known affectionately as John Fred, he had his own unique teaching methods which nobody will forget.

"My own favourite was Mr Stephen Jones, a true gentleman who never once had to raise his voice to get his point across.

"He undoubtedly was the person who influenced me the most not only then but in later years.

"It was with mixed feelings in 1961 when I left to move to the 'big school'. Sadly, Ponciau School closed in 2007 and was demolished a couple of years later.

"Nevertheless, my memories remain forever in my mind and I am able to recall most of the pupils and teachers who shared my time there."

• If you would like to share any photos or stories of your time at school in Wrexham or Flintshire, please email claire.pierce@newsquest.co.uk

Over on the Leader's 'Local Bygones' Facebook page, we asked readers to share some of their school photos.

It's fair to say looking like butter wouldn't melt has graced most of us, freckles and dimples included...