THE old bell tower from the original Robins Lane School site has been given pride of place in the courtyard of Sutton Community High School.

The bell tower, which weighs more than a ton, was lifted by crane from the old Robins Lane School building when it was demolished in 1993, and transferred to the Elton Head Road site.

Since then the bell tower, which was purely decorative and never contained a bell, has been restored and a new robin has been made for the weather vane on top.

Geoff Caton, headteacher at Sutton Community High School, said: "The bell tower will provide future generations of Sutton students and staff with a permanent reminder of the original building, built in 1909, at Robins Lane. The old Robins Lane School is remembered with great affection by local residents and staff and it is fitting that, as we come to the end of the millenium, we retain something from the start of this century.

"Many of our parents were pupils at Robins Lane and we hope that when they visit the school the bell tower will provide them with some fond memories. The restoration of the tower is due to the hard work of Albert Greenall who has served both schools with pride and enthusiasm."

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