THE legal fight to save a Wirral special needs school from closure has been given a financial boost thanks to the fundraising efforts of a dedicated and kindhearted former pupil.

Christopher Locke spent three years at the Lyndale School as a child when it was based at Clatterbridge.

He played an integral part in the Wirral Globe’s campaign to raise £80,000 for a sensory garden for the Eastham school back in 2003 when he organised the “Gig for the Garden” at the Mersey Clipper.

And since the school’s future was first threatened in December 2013, he has worked tirelessly, organising fundraisers and festivals in aid of Lyndale.

After handing over a cheque late last year for £3,000, Chris – who received a Golden Globe award in recognition of his fundraising efforts in November – continued his campaign.

His latest selfless act was to organise the ‘Stand Up for Lyndale’ concert at The Merebrook, in Eastham, on December 29.

Bands and artists including Geoff G, Tom Andrew, Jonathan Cambell, Danielle Thomas, Ragamuffin, Ryan Warburton, Make Good and Insanity Beach made the evening a real success and, along with a raffle with prizes donated from Wirral businesses, helped to raise £2,500.

Teaching assistant Nicola Kenny sold Lyndale wristbands in the build up to the event which also raised much-needed funds.

“All the Lyndale parents and staff had a ball and were laughing their heads off all night with Lyndale pupil Scott Howell leading the entertainment and charming everyone,” said Chris, from Rock Ferry.

“It was great to see the Lyndale staff having a great night, they deserved it.”

The money will go to the Friends of Lyndale School Association, a group of parents, governors and volunteers who are fundraising in order to mount a legal challenge against Wirral Council’s decision to close the school.

Their fight has been given a welcome boost in recent weeks with the news that legal aid has been granted. 

Papers are now on their way to barristers who will advise parents on what their next step should be.

Speaking when he received his Golden Globe award, Chris said: "This is not time to hang about, it's not time to feel sorry for yourself, it's time to say 'this is wrong. Let's get at it, let's do what we can, let's raise what we can. Let's start now and let everything fall into place.

"The teachers think it's the best place, the whole of Wirral thinks it's the best place.

"You don't sacrifice places that are the best in Wirral.”