NORTHFIELD School, in Acomb, York, which will close this year, is to hold an open day on Saturday, May 22, to celebrate its history and achievements.

The history of the school can be traced back to 1913, when it was based in Castlegate and 1920, when it was based at Fulford Field House.

The school opened on its present site in Beckfield Lane in 1960.

Dolores Williams, the events organiser from the school, said: "The final open day will celebrate the history and achievements of the school and its doors will open to welcome past pupils, medical, teaching and support staff and the many friends from industries and organisations who have supported us over the years."

To prepare for the open day the school has already held a three-day event, working with members of York's business community and former pupils. Four groups of pupils have created designs for posters, T-shirts, tea towels, mugs and clocks, and decided on recipes and packaging for celebration biscuits, with the help of the Grange Hotel chef, Phil Upton.

As part of the planning process, pupils from each group have created a video and presentation which they have shown to a panel of business people.

Organisations and businesses, including Notions, Network Rail, North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership (NYBEP), the National Railway Museum, Grange Hotel, Morrice Partnership, Children's Society and York People First are all adding their expertise to the event.

Dolores said: "It is hoped that the tasks will give the pupils ownership of the event and the opportunity to demonstrate such skills as communication, numeracy, ICT, design and technology, decision making, leadership and working with others."

The school will close as part of a reorganisation of York's special schools, which will see the four special schools currently in operation replaced by two new special schools, Applefields and Hob Moor Oaks.

Updated: 08:50 Wednesday, March 31, 2004