Three cheers to the campaigners who fought so hard to save their nursery.

Parents and supporters were distraught when Christ Church announced plans to demolish the historic St Thomas School in Osney Lane, home to the Little Scholars Nursery.

But instead of sitting back and meekly accepting defeat, they decided to fight with all their might.

Now after two years of opposition, their efforts have paid off.

Christ Church has withdrawn its plan to replace the school with an apartment block, just before city councillors were about to discuss it.

It is a great victory for people power, and shows what can be done when the public feels strongly about such wholesale changes to their community.

Christ Church is being secretive about what is behind its sudden change of mind. Its planning consultant has hinted that it may be connected with future plans for the city's West End development.

The college may yet come back with other proposals for this site.

Nursery supporters will be advised to keep up their guard and watch for future developments, as Christ Church may well have something else up its sleeve.

But for the moment, the nursery has good reason to celebrate.