A proposal to close St. mary's High School, Brollagh has been withdrawn.

The news emerged today (Thursday) that the Council for catholic Maintained schools (CCMS) has withdrawn its proposal that the rural school should close in September 2018.

Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan, a former pupil of the school, welcomed the news.

She also called for immediate steps to safeguard the long-term future of the school.

“Today’s news is fantastic for all those involved with St. Mary's and the campaign to retain the school,” she commented.

“I want to commend everyone who worked so hard to prevent the closure.

“What we need to see now is an end to the uncertainty surrounding St. Mary’s and Sinn Féin will continue to engage with the Department of Education and the CCMS towards that end," Ms. Dolan added.

She called on CCMS "to recognise the unique issues facing St. Mary’s and, rather that constantly seeking its closure, work with the local community to develop feasible alternatives to sustain the school into the future.”