IT was on March 1, 1980 that a relieved community learned that their fight to save Grove Infants School on Portland from closure had been successful.

Exactly two years to the day, South Dorset MP Jim Knight visited the school to witness the success that it has become.

He was welcomed by head teacher Jane Hurdiss, school governors, staff and excited pupils who had spent the day looking forward to the VIP visit.

The youngsters told him about their school and had many questions to ask him about his role as a member of Parliament.

Mr Knight was shown around the premises where much development is taking place and work is currently under way building new toilets and installing a heating system in preparation for the reopening of the upstairs hall.

This hall was last in use 13 years ago and through careful budgeting, saving and seeking grants, the school community has made it possible for the hall to be brought back into use as a valuable asset.

Work on the hall is also under way and now the whole school is looking forward to a grand opening in July which will take the form of a reunion of former pupils.

Mrs Hurdiss said: "Contact has already been made with an ex-pupil from 60 years ago who now lives in Australia. This will be a big day for the school as we all want to celebrate what can be made possible through real commitment."

Mr Knight certainly enjoyed his back-to-school experience and he said: "An impressive and superb job is being carried out in difficult circumstances

"Results shown by the school over the past two years have been excellent and so is the building work and even more improvements can be made to this fine small school with the help of the county council, other agencies and the community which is right behind Grove Infants School."