PUPILS, teachers and parents past and present gathered to say goodbye to a much-loved rural primary school this week.

Well-wishers travelled to Heversham St Peter's CE School, in the hamlet of Leasgill, from across the county to celebrate nearly 175 years of learning.

The Victorian school, which opened in 1842, hosted an open afternoon and evening where memories and photographs were shared.

The 15 pupils - whose last day at Heversham is today (Thursday) - presented their own carefully researched, illustrated versions of its history.

"We were absolutely overwhelmed by how many people came. It just goes to show how important the school has been to the local community," said class teacher Shirley King.

"Everybody is incredibly sad the school is having to close but the children are going forward with very positive mindsets into their next adventure."

Among those expressing sadness was former pupil Cllr Roger Bingham, who attended from 1946 to 1954. He told the Gazette the closure of such a small school was "inevitable" when there were spare places at other good and outstanding schools. Heversham was rated outstanding by Ofsted in 2008 and was the joint top SATs performer in Cumbria in 2016.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron said he believed schools like Heversham might not have to close if not for the high number of second homes locally.

He is to put forward an early day motion to ask the government to allow local authorities to double council tax on second homes. The money raised would then be invested in the services he believes are lost in the community due to homes that are not always occupied.

“You might argue that Heversham school's closure might not have happened if Heversham was lived in all year round,” added the MP.

The school is to officially close on August 31, the Secretary of State for Education confirmed earlier this month.