COMMUNITY spirit was high at the first staging of a carnival which reunited two school friends after 40 years.

Lynne Harris and Sue Benford, who both left Slough Technical High, now Hershel Grammar in around 1964, were reunited at Kedermister Karnival on Saturday last week, when they ended up on neighbouring stalls.

Ms Benford said: “As soon as she walked in I thought I know that lady.” Mrs Harris was helping at the Christ The Work Church stall, which ran a water or wine lucky dip, costing £1 a try, while Ms Benford’s was there in her role as a customer liaison for Interserve, a repairs and maintenance company.

Mrs Harris said: “That’s what I like about events like this. I can meet up with people.” Attractions at the fun-filled event included two bouncy castle and face-painting.

Volunteers from Herschel Park were also on hand selling £1 bespoke bird feeders made from pieces of wood from the Datchet Road park.

Matt Wallis, volunteer leader, said: “It’s [the bird feeder] a bit different. It’s quite natural really.” The group was looking to recruit more volunteers to help with a range of gardening activities from weeding to planting hedges and ornamental flowers, and working at park events.

Glynys Higgins, organiser of the festival, said: “I’m pleased with everything that’s happening and everyone here’s come up and stuck by it.” After the event, she added: “We had about 500 people going through during the day which was quite nice.” Raffle tickets and lucky dips were sold with around £300 raised, which will go towards The New Langley Community Association hall refurbishments.