A couple who met at an Eden primary school more than 60 years ago have spoken of their sadness that the school is to close at a reunion of past pupils and staff, reports James Williamson.

John Thompson, 78, first met his wife, Joyce, when they were both pupils at Bampton Endowed School. The couple have since seen both their children and their grandchildren attend the school.

"We are both extremely sad to see the school closing because it has a lot of tradition," he said.

Former pupils, teachers, governors and parents of all generations attended a special reunion after the school called an end to its 122-year history by announcing its closure A feeling of sadness hung in the air as contributors to the school's history glanced through the carefully arranged photographs and displays, recalling lost memories from their youth.

School head teacher Margaret Pearson said the school held talks with local education authorities last December about its possible closure.

Governors thought that they would be given more time as eight new starters were expected for the start of the school year but when two children pulled out, the school was left with no option but to close.

Ms Pearson claimed that it was not viable to run the school with six new starters.

"Falling birth rates are a national problem and a lot of schools are now being looked at and are having their viability assessed on different criteria.

"It is a very strange feeling today although it was very important that we organised this and said goodbye to our school," she said.

Hundreds of faces from the past and present arrived to pay their respects throughout the day.

Hazel Eccles, who has taught at Bampton School since 2000, recalled her fondest memories of academic life.

"I will never forget the children playing in their playground, footballs bouncing and tennis balls flying through the air, laughing, shouting and all the other amazing things that happen with young children.

"I am still interested in working with children and I still have a lot to offer," she said.

Former pupil Lowis Bowman was sad to see the end of the school, having held a lifelong association with it. He was clerk to the governors, manager, trustee and a governor.

"I will be sad to see it go and it will not be long before something else in the village goes. It is not only Bampton that has got that way, it is happening to lots of other schools," he said.

The sombre mood reflected the fact that, for many people, the day signified the end of an era.

"This has been my life and I do not want to start over again. It is time to stop and do something else," said Ms Pearson.

Although still technically open, the process of removing equipment and transferring it to other schools has begun and Bampton Endowed School will officially close on December 31 this year.