ALMONDBURY student Rebecca Addy was all smiles when she received a cheque for £1,000 at the Old Almondburians’ Society’s annual dinner at John Smith’s Stadium.

The 17-year-old was the winner of a special Exploration Bursary presented by the society to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Fred Hudson, the former inspirational geography master of King James’s School.

Rebecca, now at Greenhead College studying Geography and Maths, is busy raising over £3,000 for her World Challenge trip to Nepal later this year when she will be trekking and working on various community projects.

The bursary was presented by Fred Hudson’s daughter, Ann Walker, who was guest of honour

at the dinner.

“For many months I have been busy with fund-raising projects,” said Rebecca.

“These have included organising events, running a sweet shop and taking part in the Huddersfield 10km run.

“The £1,000 bursary was a lovely surprise and I’ll be looking forward to coming back in a year’s time to tell the Society how the expedition went.”

The Old Almondburians’ Society also presented runner-up awards of £500 to Aron Thompson from Fenay Bridge and Tom Boothroyd from Almondbury.

The dinner attracted 110 former pupils of King James’s School, including 13 members of the ‘Class of 1956’ 60 years after they left the school in 1962.

Those present travelled from as far away as the United States, Germany and Norway, as well as from all over the United Kingdom, and they spanned over sixty-six years at the school, from 1940 to 2006.

Also present were current Head Boy Alfie Ruttle, Head Girl Bethany Smith, Head Teacher Robert Lamb, and members of staff.

The annual Founders’ Day service took place the following day at Almondbury Parish Church.