CHILDREN and staff were cele- brating today after their school was saved from the chop.

The decision came after months of uncertainty over R M Grylls Middle School at Liversedge.

Kirklees Council education chiefs wanted to axe the school because of the falling numbers of pupils.

But a Government-appointed adjudicator has ruled against closure.

The school - which has about 120 pupils - has served the Windy Bank area of Hightown for more than half a century.

The new Tory leaders of Kirklees Council said today they were also pleased the school would stay open.

Council leader Clr Robert Light said: "We are delighted at the inspector's decision. The new council Cabinet looks forward to working with the governors and head teacher to develop the school.

"The inspector found the council's case to close the school weak and unconvincing - another embarrassing Liberal Democrat failure."

Youngsters demonstrated outside Huddersfield Town Hall last year in the battle to keep the school open.

They arrived from their classrooms on coaches followed by a 12-wheeler lorry with `Save RM Grylls' emblazoned on the side.

Kirklees education officials had argued there were gaps in the children's education because the school was so small.

Last December they asked councillors to start closure steps, putting the case that only 13 new pupils started at the school in September.

But today local Tory councillor Derrick Yates said: "My ward colleagues and I have worked hard to stop this closure.

"Pupils, parents and staff, as well as the Windy Bank community, have been put through months of uncertainty."