A FURNESS school facing closure this summer is preparing to start a new term in September thanks to a mystery buyer.

Chetwynde School, attended by youngsters from Ulverston, Dalton and Broughton, was due to shut in July, because of falling pupil numbers and the economic climate.

A comprehensive effort to save the Barrow-based school sprang into action when parents, pupils, governors and Chetwynde Support Group launched a bid to raise £500,000.

And, despite hitting £488,181, it looked like the school would still close when pupil numbers fell short.

That was until a dramatic last-minute twist when an anonymous benefactor, backed by local business owners, offered to buy the school buildings and grounds.

A £50,000 donation has also boosted the school’s bursary fund to £140,000 so it can attract more pupils.

With the school saved, the governing body is set to be replaced by a new consortium drawn from Chetwynde Support Group.

Headmaster Russell Collier paid tribute to all those who had helped secure the school’s future.

“Chetwynde Support Group, which has been the parental-driven support group in trying to save the school, has been unbelievable in the amount of enthusiasm and drive to save the school,” said Mr Collier.

“Having managed to get the funding of nearly half a million pounds behind them - and then to get this further financial backing - it really does bode well for the future.”

Mr Collier said he hoped the bursaries would give the community wider access to the school, adding: “Things have changed dramatically, but for the better.”

A statement from the school’s governing body read: “The governing body is delighted to be able to announce that the school will open in September 2012.

“Since the announcement of closure was made in March, a huge amount of work has been done by the Chetwynde Support Group, children, parents, staff and the governing body.

“As a result, a number of things have now changed which the governors feel give an opportunity for the school to remain open for the long term.

“We can now look forward to a new era in the history of Chetwynde School. It is very gratifying indeed to see that this fine academic institution will continue to provide the very highest level of education for the children of the area.”

The school is holding an open day on June 16 between 10am and 3pm to showcase new opportunities available at the school, including bursaries for new students.