SMILING for the camera, these students from Hatfield Technical College strike a pose in early 1962.

For some of these young men, this picture would be one of the last times they would see each other – until now that is.

More than 50 years on and several of the friends have been reunited at their alma mater – now the University of Hertfordshire – for a trip down memory lane.

The group – who all studied mechanical productions – were taken on a tour of the uni’s current engineering and technology facilities, before gathering on the same balcony they stood on 50 years ago to recreate their 1962 photo.

Many of the men pictured here travelled far and wide to be reunited with their old mates – including from Australia and the USA.

But one man who didn’t have to make such a journey was Roger Hood, from Codicote.

“I’m really pleased to see everyone again – there are at least three friends here I have not seen in 50 plus years,” said Roger.

“It’s amazing how much we have changed and it’s difficult to recognise everyone after so long.

“The university has definitely changed a lot from the technical college, but I am really pleased to see it.”

The visit was part of the university’s diamond jubilee celebrations, which has been welcoming back groups of alumni who graduated from its predecessor institutions.

This Saturday, several former students, including some of the friends here, will be honoured with the title ‘Associate of the University’ to celebrate the contribution they made to the establishment’s 60-year history.