A school newspaper that has been running for four years has come to an end after governors decided it did not meet safeguarding requirements.

Cambs Times: A shot of when Gorefield Primary School launched it's very own newspaper called. 'Fishy News @ Gorefield School'A shot of when Gorefield Primary School launched it's very own newspaper called. 'Fishy News @ Gorefield School' (Image: Archant)

Fishy News, which was run by a team of children and volunteers, was a popular part of school life at Gorefield primary but pupils and parents have been left devastated after being told it was being stopped.

Annie Appleby, who founded the newspaper, said she was “confused” and “gutted” as one week she was talking with the head about getting Fishy News out to local shops and residents and the next it was brought to a close.

She said: “The head who was on sick leave has now resigned and there is a new ring of governors. Parents have been very supportive. But I am not happy.”

Councillor Steve Tierney said: “I can’t believe I have seen the last silly, zany, off-the-wall brilliant Fishy News.

Cambs Times: Steve Tierney with a copy of Fishy News at Gorefield school earlier this year. Picture: Steve Williams.Steve Tierney with a copy of Fishy News at Gorefield school earlier this year. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

“It seems such a bizarre outcome. I wish there were something I could do. In all the years I have been a councillor, in all the schools I’ve visited and heard about, I don’t believe I have ever seen a project so perfectly put together, so loved and so clearly a labour of that love.

“The Fishy News Project in its entirety was wonderful. Parents whose kids benefited from participation are unanimous, as far as I can tell, in their praise.”

He added that Ms Appleby had the ability to enthuse, motivate and organise the children so that they had a chance to be creative, work as a team and build their confidence.

“I have been receiving calls and emails from parents about this. What sort of rules deprive kids of an opportunity like this to learn and grow?” he said.

Cambs Times: Steve Barclay MP visting the newspaper team at Gorefield SchoolSteve Barclay MP visting the newspaper team at Gorefield School (Image: Archant)

In a letter to parents, head teacher John Starling said: “Sadly, the school has not been able to find a way to make Fishy News compatible with the current safeguarding requirements for schools and as a consequence Fishy News will not be continuing.

“The decision, from the governors rather than from Annie Appleby, was a difficult but necessary one.

“I’m sure you would wish to join me in thanking Annie for her years of enthusiasm and energy.”