NEARLY 50 years after it opened, a Redditch school is finally closing its doors for good - but not without a mighty send-off.

Around 1,500 pupils and staff, both former and current, gathered at Bridley Moor High School on Thursday for a glittering evening of music, memories, and a few tears.

The school is closing under the Redditch Review cutbacks.

Despite the sorrow felt, Thursday's event was a showcase for everything good about the school and pupils pulled together one final time to perform music and lay on food.

Headteacher Val Duffycross said the evening was a superb success and the school's orchestra and dance band had excelled themselves for one last rousing performance.

Mrs Duffycross added: "It was wonderful. The whole thing had a real Glyndebourne feeling about it.

"But although it was an evening of celebration there was a great deal of sorrow from every one who took part."

But there was a nice surprise for one former pupil who left in 1956. He returned to pick up his leaver's report which wasn't half bad, having come first in seven subjects.

The finale to the evening was marked by a huge fireworks display.

Mrs Duffycross apologised to residents who were disturbed by them.