COMMUNITY spirit is dwindling at the prospect of stripping away the heart of Affetside village and sending our children in schools more than three miles away. Let me tell readers a little about our school.

The staff are very personable and you can get to speak to them every day, a rarity in schools with classes of 30-plus children.

They organise trips and fund-raising activities to make the school self-sufficient and to offer additional educational activities.

They have a Christian ethos, but don't impose regular attendance at church.

The last Ofsted report commented on what a high standard the school maintained, and that it was continually improving it.

The school offers a safe, well-balanced environment. I am sure that if any parent visited the school they would be delighted to have their children attend.

RUTH STEVENS,

Bradshaw Road, Tottington.