PUPILS, staff and parents marked the end of an era with the closure of Beulah Primary School.

The school, which celebrated its centenary back in 2017, closed its doors for the final time today (Friday, July 19) after being axed by Ceredigion County Council. Neighbouring Trewen Primary School has also been closed.

But while there was sadness at the closure of the schools, the pupils at Beulah turned the event into a celebration of the school’s life and proud history.

A tea party was held for children and parents, followed in the evening by a barbecue plus bouncy castle and bucking bronco.

A pseudo-raffle was also held for the kids where every child won a days-out voucher to use during the summer holidays and there was also an official present-giving for all the staff members.

Packs were given out which outlined the proud history of the school, along with comments from the pupils.

And four local charities have also benefited from money donated or raised during the campaign waged by parents and villagers to keep the school open.

Cheques for £500 were handed over to Cardigan Cancer Care, West Wales Domestic Abuse, MIND Aberystwyth and Freya’s Steps.

Judy Cramp, accepting the cheque on behalf of Cardigan Cancer Care, told the pupils: “This is a lovely way in which you are helping people to have treatment and to get better.”

Carol Pickover, one of the parents involved in the bid to keep open the school, said: “While it is a sad day to see the village school close, we wanted to make something positive out of the situation.

“It is great that we have been able to help local charities and all the children will have happy memories of their time here.

“We would like to thank all those people who have supported us over the last year with our campaign and the teachers and parents.”