They campaigned for months to save their school from closure but in the end there was nothing teachers, parents or pupils could do to save Holmfield Primary.

The Leicester Forest East School, which opened in 1937, will shut its doors for the last time today.

Although many teachers said there would be tears shed when they said their goodbyes after the final lesson this afternoon, there was a carnival atmosphere yesterday to send the school off in style.

As well as magicians, clowns, football coaches, Filbert Fox and bouncy castles for entertainment, pupils could play Laser Quest and dance at a disco.

The school was placed in special measures last year after inspectors said the quality of teaching was "inadequate".

Despite its latest Ofsted report saying it had made good progress since December, the decision was taken by Leicestershire County Council to close the school.

The fun day was held yesterday to give pupils and staff a happy lasting memory of Holmfield.

Acting head teacher David Lloyd, on secondment from Warren Hills School, in Coalville, said his experience at Holmfield had been the most rewarding of his career.

He said: "Despite everything in the past, what has remained is the determination of the staff and pupils here.

"We've had to find new schools for our kids and jobs for our teachers and staff but at no time has anyone not given their all for the school.

"It's been a privilege to work with some fabulous and talented teachers and pupils.

"Everyone has done a fantastic job organising the fun day. It's a great way for the children to enjoy the last couple of days."

The majority of pupils will be sent to nearby schools, including Stafford Leys, Kingsway, Millfield and Ravenhurst.

Ella Steans, seven, said: "I'm going to miss my teacher, Mrs Pinnock.

"She taught me how to do joined-up handwriting and she's really nice.

"I don't think it's fair that we all have to go to different schools because some of my friends won't be coming to my new school."

Charlotte George, chairwoman of the school's parents and friends association, said: "We did all we could to keep the school but, in the end, there was nothing more we could do.

"The spirit at the school still remained great and it's been lovely for the kids to have some great final memories."

Lee Hulme, 38, of Leicester Forest East, whose daughters Charlotte, 11, and Mollie, seven, go to the school, said: "Charlotte isn't as upset but Mollie has really been hit by this.

"She's going to Ravenhurst but many of her friends aren't and that's all she talks about.

"But it's great they have put this day on for all the kids. They've all been very upset so it's a nice way to go out."

Charlotte said: "It's a really good school and we always get a lot of support from our teachers."

Parent Vicky Dade, 32, also of Leicester Forest East, said: "My son Mason is going to secondary school next year but I was hoping my one-year-old daughter could come here.

"We were really sad when we heard the school was closing. Mason has loved it here."

Teacher Natalie Prime said it would be hard to fight back the tears when she left for the final time today.

She said: "I've been here three years and we're such a close family. The children are fantastic and I'm really going to miss them a lot.

"We've not really let the whole situation affect us and have tried to focus on the kids, despite what's been going on."

Year six teacher Rachel Shotton said: "Saying goodbye is going to be awful and I know there will be tears."