A MUCH-loved Worcester school that faced closure may have been saved at the 11th hour thanks to the parents fighting to save it.

The owners of Sunnyside Prep School, brothers Jeff and Jim Jenner, have agreed to sell the Barbourne Terrace school to a group of investors including parents, past pupils and the Sunnyside Association.

An action group was set up in response to the shock news that the 91-year-old preparatory part of the school, which attracts five to nine-year-olds from miles around, was to close on December 14 (the nursery section of Sunnyside will continue).

Since the announcement on Monday, the group has managed to secure enough funds to buy the school themselves and keep it running.

Parent Andy Graham, of Broomhall, is among those spearheading the rescue bid.

He said: "We knew we had to fight quickly to save this wonderful place so we put our proposals to the Jenner brothers and thankfully they accepted.

"We are now desperately trying to get everything in place by Tuesday and hope to get details sorted as quickly as possible so Sunnyside can continue as normal."

Mr Graham, who is experienced in business management, said the group would set up a management side to the school but that the teachers would come first.

"Sunnyside is such a special school and a lot of that is down to the staff.

"They are so professional and know exactly what the children need so we will do all we can to support them and the way they think the school should move forward."

Jim Jenner, a former Worcester Rugby Club player, confirmed he had agreed to sell the school to the parents.

"I think it is absolutely wonderful that the school can remain open. If the group can come through with putting things together I don't see why it should close at any point during the takeover."