PUPILS and staff of Holy Trinity Infant School released balloons in the playground to mark the school's closure.

They were lead by headteacher Lyn Darley, who was retiring after 10 years at the helm.

The infant school building, which has stood since 1953, is to be knocked down and a brand new Holy Trinity Primary School is being built at the Cross Road site in Weymouth.

The new primary school will be the biggest in the county, with 630 pupils.

Mrs Darley said: "It has been very emotional, but a wonderful day. It's been a wonderful week.

"We tried to make it as special as we possibly could for the children and hope they enjoyed it.

"Our balloon release today was to say goodbye to our school but we also had messages on the balloons so if people find them they can send a good luck message to the new school.

"All the children will be going to the new school in September and it will be a fantastic opportunity but this school has got a lot of memories for a lot of our families."

The school's final day started with a talk by teacher Sue Legg, who had been to the school as a child, about her memories of the place.

There was then a presentation for Mrs Darley and another teacher Susan Sproates, who was also leaving.

Mrs Darley, who has taught in Dorset for 24 years, said: "I shall miss the children and the wonderful staff."