PAST and present pupils and their parents joined staff and local dignitaries to celebrate the 60th anniversary of an East Lancashire special school earmarked for closure next year.

A special service to mark Blackburn's Blackamoor School's Diamond Jubilee was held at Blackburn Cathedral.

Deputy headteacher of the Roman Road school John Owen, said it was very poignant.

"We had pupils who attend the school now and who have attended over the years as well as their parents, staff and people from every denomination. "The Provost opened the service and there were readings and a performance by the school band. It was also quite moving because it looks as though the school will close next year and this will be the last big event we have." A shake-up of education by Blackburn with Darwen Council includes proposals to close Blackamoor and neighbouring Dame Evelyn Fox and open one school instead.

The final decision will be made by the Department of Education and Employment.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.