Wigan school changes Leavers' Dinner location over fire fears

St Peter's Catholic High School, in Orrell, had been due to hold the event at Rivington Barn next Thursday, July 12, not far from Winter Hill where moorland fires have been raging since last week.

It will now take place at the DW Stadium instead.

In a statement online, the school said: "Having assessed the situation regarding the fires around Rivington Barn we have reluctantly taken the decision to move the Leavers' Dinner to the DW Stadium in Wigan.

"We have not taken this decision lightly but felt it was too much of a risk to take the chance of having to cancel it closer to the date if the fires worsened. We are in the fortunate position that the DW Lounge at the DW Stadium is available and they can accommodate us on the same night.

"Mr Santus and the Head Prefects have been to look around and are very happy that this is a worthy venue for our leavers' Dinner."

The arrangements will be very similar as they were for Rivington Barn. The menu choices will be the same and the arrival time is 5.45pm to 6.00pm. Pupils travelling from school need to be at school for 5.15pm.

The school added: "Thank you in advance for your understanding and support in this decision. We feel that it is the right thing to do given the circumstances and we apologise for any inconvenience."