IT'S been a tough two years for Beech Down headteacher Ann Macdonald (pictured).

But the positive attitude to carry on - regardless of what problems are thrown at her and the school - has created a strong bond that no-one wants to see broken.

Supporting efforts to save the school, she said: "I don't want to lose the school.

"One thing about the fire is it's brought us together as a team. You don't usually experience that sort of thing. It's going to be so hard for people to be placed elsewhere."

Devastated by Cllr Allen's decision but determined to make life as normal as possible for pupils at the school, she said: "I half expected it but it has not sunk in yet. I feel numb and very tired. My job is to manage the situation and at least I know what that is now."

She added: "The staff are a bit numb to be honest - they're just totally stunned but are getting on with the job.

"The children are feeling very insecure about the whole thing."

Since the decision last Thursday, parents have already begun making plans to take their children out of the school but others are determined to carry on fighting for the school.

Focused on the next two years, Ann said: "As far as I'm concerned we're running a normal school for the next two years. The important thing is to keep things normal in school for the children.

"Our belief is focus ahead - don't look back. This week is our jubilee celebrations so we're focusing on that to keep us going."