THERE was certainly no sense of rivalry as we awaited the 8.15am for King's Cross. Handshakes, smiles and nervous conversation, it was all very civilised.

But, once aboard the same train, the two groups went their separate ways, bound for London to put their separate cases.Canon Lee parents would argue against the education authority's proposals to merge the school with Queen Anne, and Queen Anne would press for the merger to go ahead.

It seemed somewhat ironic that while the Canon Lee contingent took their seats in coach C, the Queen Anne party were in coach A.

In the 'buffer zone' of coach B York MP Hugh Bayley was doing his careful balancing act. He vowed not to take sides, but headed to London to attend the meetings and to make the introductions.

He flitted between both groups as, in brilliant sunshine, the packed train headed south.

And as the two groups travelled to London it became clear they were united by at least one thing - their concern for the children.

As Canon Lee parent Don Derrett, the spokesperson of Parents Against Merger Action Group, explained before we boarded:

"Personally, my child goes to Canon Lee school and she loves it. I hope that her school days there will not be disrupted and her time at Canon Lee does not come to an end.

"She said to me this morning 'good luck' - simple words but I will be doing my best for her and all the children."

The proposed merger would see Queen Anne premises remain open as part of the planned 'super-school', rather than it close and the pupils transfer to Canon Lee, which was one of the options open to councillors.

Parent and governor of Queen Anne, Roger Armistead said: "I will explain to Estelle Morris how my children are very happy at the Queen Anne. One has done her GCSEs and has done very well. Another one is also expected to do very well.

"We hope Queen Anne will continue with its excellent premises."

Little over two hours later, and London's suburbs were upon us. In separate taxis the groups arrived at the Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) building within moments of each other.

The Queen Anne party, together with Mr Bayley and Anne McIntosh, who had now joined the delegation, were summoned to see Estelle Morris, and the Canon Lee representatives took the opportunity to search out refreshments.

As a young man appeared and invited them in turn to meet Ms Morris, it seemed like naughty schoolchildren being summoned by the head teacher.

Just after 12.30pm both parties emerged united once more. Paul Wright, head of Canon Lee, issued the statement on behalf of all.

They didn't get an indication of a likely decision, but nor did they expect one. They did, however, put the fears and hopes across of the parents and children they were representing.

The return to York beckoned, this time aboard separate trains. I was assured it was for no other reason than timetabling.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.