Schools Minister Estelle Morris yesterday made her first visit to a century-old school which she saved from the axe.

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

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

And she was impressed by what she saw.

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

It was her first visit to Oldfield, where next Spring work will start on a £300,000 extension to build two new classrooms and bring the toilets inside. She 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.

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

Later Ann Cryer also pressed the case at Westminster.

Miss Morris said: "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."

Ann Cryer, who accompanied Miss Morris on her visit yesterday, said the school had been saved by a collaborative effort. "We battled to save it in the teeth of stiff opposition, not least some form my own part,." said Mrs Cyer.

It was not just a school but a vital part of the community because Oldfield had no pub, post office, church or community building. Work on the new extension to the rear is expected to start in the Spring and be completed by the beginning of September 2001.