INVALUABLE records and artefacts of historical importance from a Wee County school will be preserved for generations to come at the local archives.

Pupils from Alloa Academy were last week seen delivering a number of hefty boxes to the archives at the Speirs Centre.

Recently, the school unearthed a range of records, photos, school magazines, sporting memorabilia and many other items which not only provide a glimpse into the past, but also illustrate the changes in culture, education and indeed the wider community over the years.

S4 pupils Mia Mitchel, Demi Brand and Kern Menzies were joined by headteacher Colin Bruce and Andrew Hunt, a former principal teacher of history at the school as well as a local historian and author, as they delivered the items from the past to archivist Susan Yule.

Mr Hunt spent many hours cataloguing the finds and explained the academy has some of the best kept records of pupil admissions, dating back to 1902.

These show pupil admissions, enrolments as well as information on employment and further education of the students leaving.

Mr Hunt's enthusiasm was infectious and indeed, staff and pupils alike loved learning about the school's past, especially in Mrs Linzi Ross's history class.

She said: "Pupils learning about our local history is very important and our pupils love finding out about the town and Alloa Academy's rich history."

Among the items delivered are also some excellent records of former pupils who have served in the armed forces, the books covering both world wars.

Archivist Susan Yule, based at the Speirs Centre, told the Advertiser: "Clackmannanshire Council Archives are delighted to accept the donation of Alloa Academy's records, and thank the academy for entrusting them to our care.

"They will be kept securely in the archive store in the Speirs Centre where they will be catalogued and made available for the public to access.

"The donation contains a wealth of records that offer a valuable insight not only into the history of the academy but also the history of Alloa.

"They will form an excellent collection for family and local history research and I am sure will be a very popular addition to our archives."

People with enquiries about the records can email libraries@clacks.gov.uk or call the archives on 01259 452 262.

The process of learning about local history, recording the findings and sharing it all with the wider community has given staff and learners a real sense of pride at the school.

Headteacher Colin Bruce added: "I have an enormous sense of pride in being headteacher of Alloa Academy.

"This partnership work has helped me learn about the school's past and it has greatly influenced our work moving forward.

"I speak to pupils and staff on a daily basis about the importance of having pride in the school and in the local area.

"I hope the local community can come to the Speirs Centre and enjoy looking back at our history with pride."