Schools Minister Estelle Morris has finally seen a

century-old school she personally saved from the axe.

She visited Oldfield School, near Keighley - the smallest school in the Bradford district - which was threatened with closure last year under City Hall's schools shake-up.

But after being lobbied by head teacher Maggie Redpath, Keighley Labour MP Ann Cryer and governors, the Minister ordered a reprieve.

And she said she was impressed by what she saw.

"The building is in very good condition and the setting is beautiful," said Miss Morris.

Next spring work will start on a £300,000 extension to build two new classrooms and bring the toilets inside the school.

Miss Morris, pictured with some of the pupils, spoke to some of the 54 children and toured the building, which consists of a hall, single classroom, small community room, which doubles as a class, and the staff area, where children are also taught.

Miss Morris said she made her decision after meeting the delegation from Oldfield at Bradford City Hall last year, and she was impressed by their zeal to save the school.

Later Mrs Cryer also pressed the case at Westminster.

"I got the sense there was something special about the school - it was a crucial part of the community and if it was closed not only would children have to travel further to school, but it would have a significant impact on the community.

"Also the standard of education was good, it was popular and it served the community needs. It deserved to stay open."

Mrs Cryer, who accompanied Miss Morris, said the school had been saved by a collaborative effort.

"We battled to save it in the teeth of stiff opposition, not least some from my own party."

It was not just a school but a vital part of the community because Oldfield had no pub, post office, church or community building, she said.

Work on the new extension at the back of the school is expected to be completed by the beginning of September 2001.