CAMPAIGNERS bidding to save a Church of England primary school have a been dealt a blow by the diocese which is backing its closure.

Parents with pupils at St Paul's CE Primary School formed an action group to try to save the historic building in Crow Lane, Ramsbottom, which has taught generations of the same family for decades.

But the Manchester diocese had responded to Bury Metro's consultation exercise on the future of the school to recommend it be closed, along with St Andrew's in Bolton Street and a new renamed school be developed on the site of St Andrew's.

Andrew Todd, whose four children have been educated at St Paul's is a member of the group trying to save the school.

He said: "We were expecting they would be in our favour. We are not deterred. We have posters all over town and when the Bishop visits Ramsbottom tomorrow for Good Friday to lead a service at St Paul's Church, some of the children will be there to deliver their letters in person."