TWO Darlington schools are celebrating their last week of independence with a day of fun.

Alderman Leach Junior and Infants schools are being amalgamated as part of a school re-organisation programme.

The local education authority decided that the merger was the best way to tackle falling rolls.

To mark their last week of independence, the schools have organised a fun day for pupils. The event, which was being held this afternoon, involves stalls, games and entertainment.

Linda Temple, the retiring head of the infants school, was hoping that former teachers of both schools would go along to join in the fun.

"It's going to be a sad day but we must look to the future" she said.