A former student has returned his chisel to Stockport College almost 50 years after he borrowed it.

Jim Broadhead, who studied joinery and engineering in 1969, sent the chisel with a letter of apology from his home in Dublin.

Jim, 63, originally from Cheadle in Stockport, wrote: “Please find enclosed within this package one chisel which I borrowed from the college over 45 years ago.

“I found it in my tech drawing briefcase after I left the college in 1970.

“Around 1969 to 1970 there was a transition period where we were moving from Hempshaw Lane College up to the new block where the college is situated now.

“At the time we were helping out doing a few jobs in the community and I must have forgotten to return it once we finished the placement.

“My time at Stockport was memorable; it was a great college to go to and enabled me to gain my City and Guilds, which at the time was a passport to work absolutely anywhere.

“I thought it was about time that the chisel made its way home. I hope that a current apprentice with you now can get some use out of it.”

Stephen Oliver, curriculum leader for Construction at Stockport College, said: “It is not often we receive a parcel much like the one containing the letter and chisel.

“Nonetheless it is incredible to hear that students from the founding years of the college are still looking to get in touch with us to share their experiences and progression from their courses.”