A PRIMARY school, due to close at the end of term as part of an education shake-up, will celebrate its centenary this weekend.

Staff, pupils and parents at Burnley's Hargher Clough Primary in Venice Street will host two events to mark the 100 year anniversary.

The school has tomorrow invited guests to an evening at Rosegrove Unity Club, including pupils and staff from previous years.

On Saturday the school will stage an open day at which records, photographs and other memorabilia will be on display, dating back to the day it opened in 1902.

Governor Chris Keene said: "This is quite a nostalgic time for everyone at the school as we prepare to close as Hargher Clough and re-open under the new structure of Cherry Fold Community School.

"The event tomorrow will include guests involved with the school from many years ago while Saturday will be open for any former pupils, staff and their families to attend.

"Some of the exhibits are truly fascinating. There are old school photos, documents and records including the headteacher's diary, which has been filled in every day since the school began. It includes details of tragic incidents, where pupils have died from diseases such as diptheria, and records times of war."

All the exhibits will be handed over to the Lancashire Library Service archives when the school ceases to exist next month.

Hargher Clough, Myrtle Bank Infants and Nursery Schools and Coal Clough Primary will merge next term and eventually occupy a new school building to be created on Cherry Fold playing fields by January 2004.

Pupils will continue to operate from Hargher Clough, Myrtle Bank Infants and Coal Clough Primary in the interim but under a new management structure put in place for the new school.

Mr Keene went on: "It is an exciting but nostalgic time and we would like to invite everyone to school on Saturday to remember 100 years of Hargher Clough."

The school open day will be held between noon and 4pm.