CHRISTMAS was tinged with sadness for children at a Crewe school destined for closure.

Trimmings were taken down for the final time today at Lodgefields Community Primary School which has fallen victim to a county council cost-cutting drive.

Despite a determined battle by parents to save the school, it is to close in the summer as part of the education authority's bid to save money on schools with surplus places.

Pupil numbers have fallen further since the county's Transforming Learning Communities strategy was unveiled last November.

But despite being down to 40 children, the school has staged a record collection for Operation Christmas Child.

Children gathered small toys such as yo-yos, dolls, stuffed animals, coloured calculators and other toy items that light up. Hygiene items such as face cloths, toothpaste, toothbrushes and soap have been included as well as hair clips, mints, gum, small picture books, pencils and pens.

Secretary Jackie Holland, who organised the collection, said: 'Incredibly we collected 51 boxes, filled with little gifts for children in poverty-stricken countries.

'It was a fantastic effort considering we collected about the same last year when we had twice as many pupils.'

After 29 years as secretary, she will lose her job and added: 'We were determined to enjoy the last few days, despite the obvious sadness of it being our last Christmas on the site. There were the usual parties, nativity performances and a visit from Santa.

'Parents could not have done any more to save Lodgefields. 'It has been the hub of local learning for over 30 years and had 250 pupils in its heyday. There will be tears in July when we close for good.'

Buerton Primary School has already closed down leaving community groups, including the WI, homeless. The group staged its last meeting on the site on Thursday.

Worleston St Oswald's School fought a successful campaign to stay open and is striving to increase pupil numbers through open days.

Lodgefields is one of several schools across the county which was deemed to be a loss-maker, with empty places.

As yet it is unclear what will happen to the school site, in prime spot in a residential area off West Street.

The county council has not ruled out selling to the highest bidder.