'Grange Hill' axed after 30 years

The BBC has announced it is axing Grange Hill almost 30 years to the day the show began.

It started on February 8, 1978 and was known for tackling issues such as drugs and teenage pregnancy head-on. A series later this year will now be its last, the corporation revealed today.

CBBC controller Anne Gilchrist paid tribute to the "brilliantly-realised idea" from creator Phil Redmond and said it was "sad to say goodbye to such a much-loved institution". She added: "The lives of children have changed a great deal since Grange Hill began and we owe it to our audience to reflect this."

Tony Wood, creative director of show producer Lime Pictures, added: "It has been a privilege to be involved with one of the great titles in the history of British television.

"I am proud of the relationship that Lime has built and maintained with the BBC over the past few years and look forward to working with them on future projects."

It comes after Redmond himself said he felt the show had gone on too long. He criticised recent moves to target it at younger children and said: "I do now think the point of Grange Hill has been lost, and 30 years is a nice time for it to hang up its mortar board."

It was announced as part of a shake-up of CBBC drama.