FORMER pupils and friends of St Paul's CE Primary School in Ramsbottom are invited to a special church service looking back over its 135-year existence.

The school is to close at the end of the summer term as part of a controversial plan by the local education authority to address falling pupil numbers and surplus classroom places.

Margaret Chamberlain, head of the Crow Lane school, said: "We will be marking the school's life from when it first started in 1868. Present pupils will be attending the service but generations of the same family have passed through this school, who are also invited."

Parents and staff angry at the closure of the school staged a campaign to keep the school open and even applied for a judicial review, which they lost.

Mrs Chamberlain said: "It is the end of an era and people who wish to contribute to the service by saying a few words should get in touch."

Each child will be presented with a commemorative souvenir which is also available to the public.

The service takes place on Thursday, July 10 at 7pm. For more information ring the school on 01706822640.