A SEVEN-year fight to save the derelict Sands First School came to an end on Tuesday when the building was reopened as a nursery.

Stanley Greaves, who was headmaster at the school in Mill End Road 49 years ago, opened the renovated building to the applause of campaigners who have strived to stop the building being knocked down for flats or shops.

The building has been brought back to its former glory by Janice and David Winn, who are now using it as the new base for their Sandcastle Nursery, which was previously based at the nearby Millbrook School. The couple have taken out a long lease on the property.

Mrs Winn said: "For years we had walked past this beautiful building, wondering what would become of it, and now we are proud that we have been able to improve our own facilities as well as preserve the school."

The Sands Residents' Association, with support from the High Wycombe Society and district councillors, had the building granted locally listed status last year to save it from being demolished.

The campaigners gathered at the opening ceremony to celebrate the restoration of the old school.

Valerie Razzaq, Wycombe District councillor for Sands, is a former pupil at the school and said she is delighted it has finally been saved. She said: "We have wanted this for a very long time. It is great to see the children using the school building again after all these years."

Mr Winn said: "There are so many people from Sands who went to school here. It is great to think we are helping to preserve such an important landmark."

The nursery was also presented with a Quality Kitemark on Tuesday by Buckinghamshire County Council's Early Years Development and Childcare Service. It is the first day nursery in the town to achieve the award.