THERE were tears as well as cheers when Blackamoor School broke up for the holidays for the very last time.
After 60 years of helping physically and mentally disabled children, the school, has closed as part of Blackburn with Darwen Council's controversial scheme for restructuring special needs education.
The Roman Road building will re-open next term as part of Newfield School, taking pupils from neighbouring Dame Evelyn Fox School, which cares for about 100 children with complex needs.
Children and parents joined for a celebration service with a steel band featuring staff and pupils, followed by a memorial service for the pupils who have died while they were at the school.
About 20 of the 68 pupils are moving to mainstream schools but the rest will join the 100 Dame Evelyn Fox School pupils. Headteacher Anita Abram and deputy John Owen are also leaving.
Picture: Pupils, staff and parents say goodbye as Blackamoor School shuts. Twin sisters, 12-year-olds Charlotte and Rachel Bury are pictured with, from the left, Judith Bury, Anita Abram and Bob Bury
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