The day one of Leeds's biggest and happiest 'families' was broken up

Pupils play their last over before the closure of Elmhurst Middle School. Pictured, left to right, are David Willett, Parvez Shan, Amritpal Rehal and Eugene Ruan with classmates in the background.

Elmhurst Middle School on Newton Road in Chapeltown inspired a generation of youngsters aged between nine and 13.

Incredible pictures show life in Leeds during the 1980s

But by July 1984 its roll call had dwindled to 110 which prompted Leeds City Council to decide it would have to close.

The decision, although inevitable, had saddened staff who were proud of the family atmosphere they had succeeded in creating.

And for the pupils their last day was also a time of sadness for a school which had become a second home to them.

Eugene Ruan said: "This is a great school. The best thing about it is the football team. I'm sorry it is closing."

Nicola Shannon added: "This school's the greatest because it's small and it's new - and because of the netball team."

Head teacher Archie Niman, who was taking early retirement, said: "I will miss the children and the staff, who are wonderful. But despite the sadness we are also proud of what has been achieved. It is a multi-racial school in a deprived area. We have tried and been fairly successful in welding together a family - and above all we feel proud at this success."

Did you attend Elmhurst Middle School back in the day? Share your memories with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN