A Burley-IN-WHARFEDALE school which battled in vain for survival has vowed to see out its final year in style.

Bradford Council's schools review decided there was no future for Burley C of E First School, the decision being taken in the school's centenary year.

The school's Parent Teacher Association set up a campaign 'headquarters' at the Aireville Terrace site, determined to retain its C of E status and vowing the education shake up should not destroy the school's ethos.

Bradford Council has long since revealed its decision to create a new Burley Primary School on the current Middle School site, but the Burley C of E First School PTA is determined the school's memory will not be allowed to die.

Gary Shipley, chairman of the PTA, said: "Under the school reorganisation within Bradford district, Burley C of E First School will close at the end of summer term this year, having served many generations within the village community for the past 102 years.

"While the Victorian premises in Aireville Terrace will fall silent for the last time, the children will move to the nearby middle school to start a new era as a primary school."

Mr Shipley said it was important, given the school's proud history and its strong links with the Burley-in-Wharfedale community, the school's final year should not be allowed to pass unnoticed.

"In 1998 the school celebrated it's centenary with a series of events and received tremendous local support. Plans are now in hand to organise a further series of events over the next few months and we will be announcing details shortly," he said.

As part of the celebration preparations, Mr Shipley and the PTA would like to hear from anyone who has been involved with the school over the years, in any capacity.

School head Glynne Edwards also believes the final year at Aireville Terrace is worth marking.

"I don't want to say too much and steal the committee's thunder but I imagine it will be an opportunity for reunions," he said.

He said: "It is also important to show how links between the school and the community still exist. The choir performed for some senior citizens before Christmas. One lady had been at the school in 1905. That shows those links still exist and they are very important."

Mr Edwards said the response to the school's Christmas fair, which raised more than £1,200, showed Burley-in-Wharfedale's community spirit was very much alive.

Further information can be obtained from Gary Shipley (chairman) Burley C E PTA, Aireville Terrace, Burley-in-Wharfedale, W Yorks, LS29 7JY or telephone the school direct on 01943 863242.

You can also make contact through email address, burleycefs@aol.com.

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