A YOUNGSTER is celebrating victory following a five-month battle for a place at the secondary school of her choice.

But Haley Deighan's joy at being offered a place at Harper Green School has been marred by the fact that three of her friends have failed in their bid to join her.

Their parents, who have campaigned for the decision to be overturned since initial offers were made in February, had branded the youngsters "The Farnworth Four".

They had all appealed against the local education authority's decision.

Like Haley, her friends from Highfield Primary School -- Daniel West, Lucy Jackson and Thomas Pickersgill -- had originally been offered places at Hayward School, Lever Edge Lane, but after a review, the boys have now been given places at St James's Secondary School in Farnworth. Lucy, aged 10, is still scheduled to go to Hayward School.

Her mother, Wendy Jackson, said she felt physically sick when the letter arrived informing her about the decision of the review panel, which has left her daughter heartbroken.

Mrs Jackson said: "I had told her not to build up her hopes, but still felt terrible giving her the news.

"It's very worrying that she will be going on her own as she either has to catch two buses or take a 50-minute walk."

Joanne Pickersgill, whose 11-year-old son Thomas has now been offered a place at St James's School, is also disappointed.

The 36-year-old said: "Thomas wanted to know why nothing ever goes right for us. His face just fell when we discovered which children had not got into Harper Green and realised he was one of them."

Mary Leach, Daniel West's grandmother, who takes him to school, said: "I feel gutted for Daniel. He will be churned up inside."

Haley and her mother, Mandy Fielding, burst into tears of relief after receiving the letter of good news, but feel guilty that the others have been left so upset.

Mrs Fielding said: "The whole process has been a horrible and humiliating experience. I feel very bad for the other families and will continue to support them whatever happens."

Education chiefs have created a record number of places for children wanting to go to the Farnworth secondary this year, but have not revealed the final figures.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "After the formal appeal there cannot be a second appeal unless there is a significant change of circumstances."