Thrilled nurse says Echo retro pictures put her back in touch with old Sunderland school mates as she helps NHS fight Covid-19

Jodie Banks was ‘over the moon’ to be sent a link to a Sunderland Echo nostalgia story which was all about her old primary school.

Jodie, now 28 and who is now a dental nurse in Aberdeen, was in the picture herself in a 2003 photo from Carley Hill Primary School in Sunderland.

It showed Jodie and fellow Carley Hill pupil Chelsie James who both did really well in the City of Sunderland Schools Cookery Competition 17 years ago.

Another reminder of Carley Hill Primary School from 2003. Jodie is in the middle row as the children get to enjoy a Harry Potter book.

Another photo shows Jodie and lots of other pupils enjoying a Harry Potter book which they were given because of their excellent SATs results.

We asked if the photos brought back happy memories and they certainly did for Jodie.

She told us: “I loved Carley Hill Primary School. It was the best school ever!!”

Jodie said her favourite teachers were Miss Bolton, Mrs Crosby and Mr Davies.

Jodie Banks who told us all about her childhood memories at Carley Hill Primary School.

She added: “I am pleased that this has come up because it has brought people I have not seen in 17 years together on a group chat.”

And she told how her life in Aberdeen had changed in recent days.

“The ward I'm currently working in has now been changed to a COVID testing ward and I will now be testing people for the virus instead of my usual helping them wash and dress etc.

“I work as a dental nurse at Aberdeen Institute of Dentistry and Dental Hospital in Foresterhill, Aberdeen. I specialise in assisting in orthodontics and maxillofacial surgery which I love.

Jodie Banks, left, and Chelsie James pictured in 2003.

“At the moment due to COVID-19, all the dental nurses in the institute have been redeployed up to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to work as Healthcare Support Workers on different wards.

“It's very different but I'm willing to help out where I can during this awful time. I'm proud to be part of it.

“This story is a bit of a boost as it's nice to see that other healthcare professionals are seen for doing their bit. But to be honest, the support that the NHS have had from the UK has been outstanding already.”

She and former friends spent time ‘speaking about what we remember. I live in Scotland now but I'd love to see my old class mates again,” Jodie added.

To view that story which Jodie lived so much, and to see if you can spot anyone you know, click here. If it does bring back memories, get in touch to tell us all about it.

Is there an old school, or old friends, you would love to see again? Tell us more by emailing [email protected].

To find out more on the latest coronavirus news, visit the Sunderland Echo website for updates and latest case numbers.