THE tinsel has been arranged, the fairy lights are shining and the colours of Christmas are all around.

In fact the seasonal scene at Breightmet's The Moss Primary School could be described as typical of any school in Bolton.

But this year's display, lovingly crafted by pupils and teachers at the Falkirk Drive school, is tinged with a sadness shared by teachers, parents and pupils alike.

For the school has been earmarked for closure in the summer and it will be the last Christmas display ever at the once thriving primary.

The Moss was one of three school's recommended for closure by Bolton Local Education Authority (LEA) due to falling pupil numbers. The two other schools - Scot Lane End at Blackrod and Oldhams CP, Astley Bridge, were saved due to direct intervention by the then Secretary of State for Education David Blunkett.

But, despite a vocal campaign to save the school, The Moss will cease to be next summer after a 30 year history.

Headteacher of six years John Bowden has seen pupil numbers dwindle from a once proud 268 to just 45 and admits he is seeing the school disintegrating before his eyes.

"It's heartbreaking for us," he said. "The past two years have been a terrible time and while two schools have been saved I suppose the axe had to fall somewhere and it fell on us.

"It is because of falling numbers and decline in the population and I believe this situation will continue. Eventually it will come full circle as new families move into the area but I believe it will get worse before it gets better."

The six-strong staff have put on a brave face for Christmas and have mounted displays based on children's favourite books The Chronicles of Narnia and the ever-present Harry Potter.

But Mr Bowden, aged 53, said: "People still can't believe the school is to close. I have parents coming to me on a weekly basis in floods of tears."

Bolton LEA is faced with a problem of declining pupil numbers which has meant a number of schools have been either earmarked for closure or amalgamation.

Longsight School in Harwood is the latest to face the chop and parents have again vowed to battle against the proposals.

But Mr Bowden warned: "I have every sympathy for a head in this position and as soon as I heard the news I was straight on the phone to Longsight head George Hadfield to offer my condolences.

"To be honest we had very little support in our battle from unions, from other heads, everyone seemed to bury their heads in the sand. But this problem is not going to go away."

With 30 years teaching experience Mr Bowden says he and other members of staff are now facing voluntary redundancy or starting all over again.

"The majority are considering early retirement," he said. "A couple, who have the same length of service as me will miss out by one year because of their age."