COMMUNITY members from across the length and breadth of Torfaen attended an emotional final tour of a 115-year school before it closes its doors for the final time next month.

Abersychan’s Victoria Village Primary School was built in 1903 and has played a big role in the wider community ever since.

Last year it was announced it would close as part of the area's 21st Century Schools programme.

It was originally planned to close in September 2017 but Torfaen council’s cabinet agreed to postpone the closure until the end of the 2018 academic year.

Chairwoman of governors, Rita Wilkins, has been a member of staff since 1985 and said it was a “sad” time for everyone.

“I had been a supply teacher for many years,” she said. “I retired in 2008.

“I then returned as a governor and later as chairwoman of governors.

“It is sad that this wonderful school is closing. But we are pleased that a lot of people have come for a tour and the exhibition.”

To mark the end of an era, an exhibition and tour were arranged to take place yesterday, giving the wider community the chance to take a look around the building for the final time.

An exhibition on show within the school building included a variety of photos spanning from the early 1900s to present, as well as examples of pupils’ school work.

Mrs Wilkins said: “We have educated lots of children in the area.

“We have some children here whose grandparents were educated at the school. In some cases there are fourth and fifth generations of the same family who have been here.

”This place will always be remembered.”

Head teacher Joy Dando said she was pleased that the exhibition and tour were popular.

“I must praise my deputy, Anna Britten,” she said. “It was her idea to have these things.

“I am grateful for the big turn out.

“It is the end of an era for us. I have been here for 14 years and I will miss it. But we will all remember this school being a big player in the community.”

One of those who visited the exhibition was past pupil Amelia Ann Needs.

The 68-year-old said: “I met my best friend, Margaret Watkins, at school.

“We left here in 1957. Back then, of course, it was known as Victoria Junior and Infant School.

“We had always wanted to return to see how the school had changed. It is was great to come back for a final time.”

Past pupil Val Evans, who lives in Cwmbran, said: “It is very upsetting that this great school is closing. I will never forget people telling me that the bell was rung here to show the war had come to an end.”

Pupil Dylan Roynon, who is 11, was at the exhibition too and added he had hoped his siblings would have attended the school.

He said: “I wanted to see my brothers and sisters come through the school like me.

“It is sad because that will not happen.”

And 11-year-old pupil Ellie Miles added: “I like this school and I will miss it. There is no better school than this one. “We are one big family at Victoria Primary.”

The school will close next month.