A campaign by the Newcastle Evening Chronicle has helped save a world-renowned school for deaf and disabled children from closure.
Parents of children attending the Northern Counties School for the Deaf in Newcastle were told the school could close due to the declining numbers of pupils.
The threat to the school, whose patron was Diana, Princess of Wales, was blamed on the Government policy of integrating more special needs youngsters into mainstream schools.
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In January, the Chronicle launched a campaign to save the school from closure and highlighted the work done by staff to help vulnerable youngsters.
Parents provided testimonies about the high standard of care given to their children.
Following the Chronicle campaign and protests from the parents, the school will now stay open through a partnership with another organisation, the Percy Hedley Foundation.
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After the announcement, headteacher Frances Taylor said: “I would like to thank the Chronicle for all the help and support they have given us.”
Editor Paul Robertson said: “It was a cause we could not ignore. We could not help but be moved by the positive reaction of pupils to the level of care given by staff at the school.
“The parents were distraught that the school may have to close and it was heartwarming to see their joy when it was announced it would be saved.
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