Grange Hill in pictures

The original cast from 1978, featuring characters Tucker Jenkins (left), Benny Green (second from right) and Alan Humphries (right) Photograph: BBC

The famous 'flying sausage' title sequence, which was broadcast from 1978 to 1987 Photograph: BBC

The cast in 1979 Photograph: BBC

The cast in 1982, featuring characters Roland Browning (third from left), Fay Lucas (fourth from left) and Zammo Maguire (right) Photograph: BBC

Roland (left) attracted attention from his first days in the show, mostly due to his weight. In his first series, he repeatedly ran away from school, but he was later to date a French language student, set up Radio Grange Hill and go on a sponsored diet Photograph: BBC

Mrs McCluskey was the firm but fair headteacher from 1981 to 1991 Photograph: BBC

Gripper Stebson, a character whose favourite subjects at the school were bullying and extortion Photograph: BBC

The show was one of the first to deal with issues such as bullying. Here Denny and Gripper put pressure on Roland (centre) - probably over dinner money Photograph: BBC

Gripper teaches Pogo (left) a lesson. Gripper was finally expelled in 1983 Photograph: BBC

Mr Bronson joined as a French teacher in 1985, soon establishing a fearsome reputation. In a memorable episode later that year, Gonch and Hollo stole his wig Photograph: BBC

Steven, Jackie and Zammo show off Live Aid era fashions in 1985 Photograph: BBC

In 1986, the show famously highlighted the drugs issue, with Zammo developing a heroin habit. This led to the release of a cast single for the 'Just Say No' anti-drugs campaign Photograph: BBC

Trevor, Ziggy and Robbie around 1986 Photograph: BBC

Past and present members of the cast celebrate the programme's 10th anniversary at the BBC's Elstree Centre in 1987 Photograph: PA

In a 2002 storyline, mysterious deputy head Mr Deverill was exposed as a teacher sacked from a public school for assaulting pupils. Here Ian and Robson confront Deverill Photograph: BBC

Togger Johnson joined the series in 2003. He was the nephew of early Grange Hill star Tucker Jenkins Photograph: BBC

Togger soon established a reputation as a troublemaker. Here, Togger and Tigger fight Photograph: Mersey TV