FORMER pupils and staff of a York school which will close this year are invited to celebrate the end of an era this Saturday.

Northfield School, in Acomb, will hold an open day from 1.30pm to 7.30pm to celebrate the school's history which spans more than 85 years.

The school for children with physical and learning disabilities opened in 1913 in Fulford and was originally for children suffering from TB.

In the 1960s, it transferred to its current location in Beckfield Lane, Acomb, and in the mid-1970s it almost doubled when a new wing was built to cater for children with Spina Bifida.

The school will close this summer as part of City of York Council's plan to reorganise specialist schooling in the city.

Head teacher Bill Ford said he was very much looking forward to the future, but also wanted to celebrate the past.

He said: "The day will be an opportunity for people to meet up with old friends. I am hoping we are going to have a full afternoon.

"I will always remember the school as a welcoming and happy community where people have worked closely together."

Visitors will be able to sign the guest book, look at old photos, watch a presentation on a year in the life of Northfields and watch a performance by the school choir.

Updated: 11:15 Wednesday, May 19, 2004