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Pupils create time capsule as school closes
Pupils made their own history as a Lancashire high school closed for the last time after more than half a century of lessons.
The City of Preston High in Preston, which started out as Ribbleton Hall High, is now set to become a vocational centre annexed to Ashton Community Science College.
The school, which produced some of the city's most famous sons including cricket legend Andrew Flintoff and singer Stephen Bayliss, marked the last day of term with a special ceremony.
The school's last ever head boy and girl Liam Mault and Devon Robinson presented a time capsule which had been made in school and was packed full of memorabilia.
It has been given pride of place in the entrance to the building and is scheduled to be opened in 25 years' time.
Chairman of governors Louis Crouan said: "It's the end of an era but is an opportunity to look forward."
He described the school as "a place where people have achieved and has a lot of history".
He added: "It is not finishing, this is just the next step."
Former head boy Sean Spark, 16, said: "I moved up to City of Preston from Ribbleton Avenue Juniors.
"The last day has been very emotional but I realise the closure is for the good of City of Preston pupils.
"I think it's just sad that I won't be able to say I'm going back to my old school."
One of the school's famous pupils Stephen Bayliss, inset, was among special guests at the ceremony.
He said: "I was at the school when it was Ribbleton Hall, but that building has gone now so the new one doesn't really hold any memories for me. I've been back quite a few times because it is still in the area where I am from.
"I think the new plans will benefit the people of Ribbleton and that's got to be a good thing."
A group of pupils have researched the school's history and produced a special booklet.
The school is closing because of falling rolls and it is hoped that, following a public consultation, it will be transformed into a 14-18 centre offering a wide range of vocational courses to students from across the city.
Ashton head Chris Lickiss will take over as principal.
Although the school will change its name from January, existing Ribbleton pupils will remain on their own site and a new staffing structure will be put in place.
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Weather for Preston
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: 3 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
