A RURAL school threatened with closure less than two years ago has received an outstanding Ofsted report.

Delamere Primary School was inspected at the beginning of March and described as ‘a vibrant hub of creativity and learning’.

The school, which has only 55 pupils, scored top marks in all but one of the 11 categories, which include pupils’ learning, development and behaviour.

In a letter to pupils, Inspector Gill Jones said: “Your school provides you with an excellent quality of education.”

Headteacher Steve Docking said: “I am really proud of the entire team and the difference they have made to the lives of children at the school.”

The school was earmarked for closure in 2007 when Cheshire County Council began its controversial Transforming Learning Communities (TLC) programme, but a vehement campaign won it a stay of execution.

Mr Docking added: “We look forward to the all the new and exciting projects that are planned for the future, which now looks very bright indeed.”