GOVERNORS of crisis-hit Elbury Mount Primary, who have kept tight-lipped during its troubled past few years, have spoken of the commitment and "inspiration" throughout the school.

Ted Duckett, the chairman of governors, admitted relations with Worcestershire County Council had been strained by the authority's attempt to close the Fairfield Close school, in 1999.

And the problems culminated this week in the announcement that the school will close down and re-open under new leadership for a fresh start.

However, in a letter to the Evening News, Mr Duckett hit back at claims the school had "failed" its pupils.

He praised the excellent work of headteacher Kay Morgan - who resigned on Thursday - the hard work of the teachers and the support of parents and the community.

"Kay was, and is, 100 per cent committed to the children," he said.

"She retained school children whose emotional and behavioural needs had led to them being excluded from other schools and was ably supported by a staff team who didn't shy away from their responsibilities to support all children."

Mr Duckett added that none of the staff at the Brickfields school could be accused of a lack of commitment to the school, pupils or wider community.

And the school's board of governors said it was time to look to the future.