CAMPAIGNERS are drawing up plans for the next stage of their effort to save St Paul's CE Primary in Ramsbottom.

Members of the Save Our School Focus Group have met to discuss strategies in advance of a decision being made on the school's future by a regional adjudicator.

The independent investigation comes after the school was given a reprieve by Bury's Schools Organisation Committee, which failed to reach a unanimous decision on its closure.

A judgement is expected within two months.

School supporters will press their case by focusing attention upon the school's church status, and its close links with the community. Campaigners also hope rumours that a housing development is proposed at Sims wireworks, Hazlehurst, will add strength to their case that pupil numbers in Ramsbottom are set to increase.

The group will also be drumming up support with a carefully-orchestrated publicity campaign.

Campaigner Andrew Todd, of Bolton Street, said: "The regional adjudicator has a much wider brief than simply looking at surplus places and small school allowances, as the local authority would.

"This will open the door for a much broader case to be presented, which can only assist us."