A campaign to preserve Bingley's historic National School has been won thanks to former pupil Shipley MP Chris Leslie and Bingley Civic Trust.

The Church of England first school in Park Road, which dates from 1814, will be surplus to requirements following Bradford Council's schools review and it had been feared it might be knocked down by developers.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Bradford said it will still be put up for sale to raise money towards funding the reorganisation.

But Mr Leslie said: "Alan Howarth, Minister for the Arts, has agreed for it to be given Grade II listed status which is excellent news because it was the first publicly-funded school in the country.

"It is a very important historic building and if it had not been listed it could have been pulled down. This has given some degree of protection to the building.

"I was very worried about what might happen from next year once it had stopped being a school but it can't be demolished now."

He added: "I was surprised to learn it did not have Grade II status, but it was necessary to ensure it did because architecturally it's an important building and a key part of the townscape.

"I would still like to see it retained for educational purposes such as a nursery."

Bingley councillor Jim Flood added: "I am pleased to see that an important part of Bingley's heritage has been preserved."

The granting of Grade II listed status means any attempt to demolish the building would need listed building consent as would any interior and exterior alterations. The intention is to preserve the character of the building.

Malcolm Halliday, Bradford Diocesan Secretary, fears the move could affect the price it will fetch.

He said: "I would expect the diocesan board to apply to the secretary of state for an order for the premises to be sold and proceeds to be used towards other CE schools within the diocese, particularly within Bradford. This may have reduced potential funding."

Bryan Hobson, former chairman of Bingley Civic Trust, said: "I'm very pleased about it. I would like to see it used as a tourist centre."

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