CHILDREN and teachers said goodbye to Oldhams Primary School on Friday as the school bell rang for the final time.

Parents and teachers at the school, on Selkirk Road, Astley Bridge, have been fighting to keep the school open for the past five years. It would have celebrated its 50th birthday next year.

But they lost their battle last year when it was announced a £1.4 million extension would be built to accommodate the children at nearby High Lawn.

Until building work is complete, the children will be taught on both sites, with some going to High Lawn and others remaining at Oldhams.

The move will save the education authority £76,000 a year. Once the school is established on a single site, savings of £103,000 a year will be made. The 75 children, including nursery children, were due to take part in a leaving assembly today.

Headteacher Peter Fenton said: "The staff would like to thank everyone for making our last year such a successful one. We are proud of the children's achievements. They have made good progress, have shown excellent behaviour and produced wonderful performances in music and drama."

"This is a time of sadness for everyone connected with Oldhams."

The school surprised everyone when, after being classed as failing for four years, it achieved a good Ofsted report.

Rita Liddell, chairman of governors, said: "Thank you to all staff, past and present, teaching and non-teaching, whose skill, dedication and compassion has had an impact on so many young lives; to the parents who over the years have supported the school; to the many volunteers who have given their time freely over the years; and to the children for filling the school with their hopes and laughter.

"I know that the memories of the many happy times will stay with me, my children and other family members for years to come."

In 2000, parents battled with education bosses when closure plans were first announced, taking their fight all the way to the then Education Secretary David Blunkett -- who made the shock decision to keep the school open.

But this time, parents have been resigned to the closure going ahead, as the number of pupils at the school has plummeted.