Four new governors have been appointed to help create a new future for St Bees School. 

Dr Richard Pratt, the archdeacon of West Cumberland, has been elected chairman of the board and the other new members are Tony Fox, Shaun Kelso and Alastair Lord.

Other members of the board are Mark Roberts, who joined in March, and two ex officio members, the Bishop of Carlisle James Newcome and the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria Claire Hensman.

The 432-year-old school closed at the end of the summer term due to falling pupil numbers. 

A campaign was launched by parents and villagers to save the school, but was unsuccessful.

In a statement, the new governors said: "Our intentions are to develop and assess future opportunities identified for St Bees School and, if possible, retain it for educational purposes." 

The new board praised headteacher James Davies, staff, pupils and families for their commitment and work.

A statement read: "The orderly closure of the historic independent school in the summer has also been recognised.

"This has allowed us to avoid placing the school into administration, and the sale and liquidation of school assets."

They said the new board would investigate how to help with ongoing costs of the buildings, like leasing the school's sports hall and swimming pool to the community.

The statement added: "The new board anticipates that it will, when appropriate, consult and work with relevant sectors of the community regarding options for the future."