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 to scrap Burley C of E First School.

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.

Although Bradford Council is to create a new Burley Primary School on the current Middle School site, Burley C of E First School PTA is determined the school's memory will not die.

PTA chairman Gary Shipley 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."

Mr Shipley said it was important, given the school's history and its links with the the 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.

Further information can be obtained from Gary Shipley, Burley C of 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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