A ROSSENDALE specialist residential school has been taken over by a Kent-based education service.

Rossendale School, in Bamford Road, Ramsbottom, specialises in young people with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and offers residential care, combined with tailored education .

Priory Education Services, part of Priory Group, has taken over the running of the school. It operates 11 residential schools and colleges for asperger's syndrome, autism and behavioural difficulties.

Rossendale School, based at Moorside Farm, has a mixed intake of 37 day pupils and 19 weekly boarders, aged between eight and 16.

Priory Group director of schools development, Stephen Bradshaw, said: "We are extremely pleased by the addition of Rossendale School to our educational portfolio.

"Both are recognised for helping pupils achieve academic and personal potential. We look forward to developing this dynamic sector." The group is Europe's leading independent provider of specialist mental health care, neuro-rehabilitation and special education services.

All of the Group's schools have a nationwide intake and the majority of students are publicly-funded through Local Education Authorities, Learning and Skills Councils, social services and local health authorities.