Schools make plans to celebrate Olympic Torch Relay in Dewsbury

Dewsbury and Mirfield MP Simon Reevell last week raised concerns that red tape could put off schools, but it seems many agree the event is a must-see.

Chickenley Community School headteacher Bronagh King said: “We’re planning to take all the school up with us to Wakefield Road playing fields. They’ll be really excited.”

Around 40 Ravenshall pupils will travel in from Thornhill Lees by minibus and train for the June 25 event, while Thornhill Lees Infant and Nursery is letting pupils come in late.

Headteacher Margaret Hissett said: “We are hoping that a lot of pupils will go. There will be members of staff along the route, but we had to give the option for the school to remain open.”

Thornhill Junior and Infants has taken a similar approach, but Battyeford Primary School is not going because it is too far to walk from Mirfield and road closures could cause problems.

Reader Joanne Jackson plans to take her son Ethan, five.

“It’s something that they’re probably never going to experience again in their lifetime,” she said. “ I think his school has done a good job, but I think they could have put a bus on.”

Others on the Reporter Facebook page said they would also like to see free buses provided.

Mr Reevell said: “Some schools are going a great job, but there doesn’t seem to be a Kirklees energy behind it.”

But he said Kirklees had assured him that council staff with children would get time off.