THE TIRELESS work of one woman to save both of Stroud’s Grammar schools from closure will be celebrated next week at a special ceremony.

Marling and Stroud High are to name their new joint lecture theatre after former district and county councillor Nora Regan, who died last year aged 92.

For 14 years Mrs Regan waged an almost single-handed battle to save the Downfield schools from the axe after the government drew up plans to convert the schools into comprehensives.

Her determined campaign spanned more than decade during the 80s and culminated in the successful retention of the grammar schools in 1989.

Nora’s daughter Margaret de Havilland-Hall and her old friend and and fellow campaigner John Pycroft will be giving speeches at a special ceremony, which is to be held at the lecture hall.

A plaque and framed photo of her will be unveiled at the entrance to the new building.

Mrs Regan, from Painswick, served for 15 years as a councillor on Stroud District Council and Gloucestershire County Council, between 1976 and 1991.

An active member of the Conservative Party, she was branch chairman at Cranham and went on to be area chairman.

She was also a passionate fundraiser, working for Cancer Research UK and for the Stroud Hospitals League of Friends.

The award ceremony will be held next week to coincide with the annual Stroud High Old Girls’ tea party.

For details on how to attend please email head@stroudhigh.goucs.sch.uk