A group set up to support special needs education in Rutland has secured legal aid in their fight to save The Parks School.

The 'Save The Parks School' campaigners raised £5,000 to launch a legal challenge against the closure of a Rutland school earlier this year, and were set to host a fundraiser to support the cause.

However, this fundraiser has been postponed after the group secured legal representation - a big step in their fight to save the school.

The Parks School in Burley Road, Oakham, was Rutland's only state-maintained special needs school and had received an 'outstanding' rating in its last two Ofsted inspections.

It was closed by the council in January to cut costs, but local people were unhappy with the process, leading a group to begin a fundraising campaign to oppose the closure. The target was reached in March, and now the team have announced that legal aid has been secured.

The news was shared on social media: "Fantastic News for The Parks School Community!

"We’re absolutely thrilled to share that, thanks to the incredible dedicated parents, legal aid has been successfully secured! - a true testament to what we can achieve when we come together.

"Given this wonderful turn of events, we’ve decided to postpone our planned fundraiser. But don’t worry, this isn’t the end! We will arrange another event at a later date, which will support other fantastic local charities making a real difference in our community.

"A gigantic thank-you is in order for everyone who stepped up, ready to contribute to the Save The Parks Fundraiser. Your generosity and willingness to lend a hand is what makes our community so special."

Local people and businesses have donated to support the cause, including but not limited to Rutland Farm Park and Rumble Live Action Gaming.

While the group were planning a fundraiser on 17 May, the event has now been postponed following this "wonderful turn of events".