PARENTS and governors have vowed to fight the closure a tiny village school 'to the bitter end.'

A question mark has hung over Tosside Primary School, Gisburn Forest, since the Government announced cuts in funding for establishments with small numbers of children.

The number of pupils at the school, which received a glowing report from government inspectors, has dropped from 26 to nine in eight years.

County councillors gave the go-ahead for a consultation exercise into the future of the tiny school on the Lancashire/Yorkshire border in the Ribble Valley and concerned parents attended a packed public meeting.

But Lancashire County Council's education sub-committee yesterday gave the go-ahead for closure on the grounds that the school didn't have enough pupils. Villagers, parents and governors walked out of the meeting in disgust and said they were extremely saddened by the decision.

Chairman of governors James Waddington, said village children now faced journeys of up to 45 minutes to attend alternative schools.

"Some of the arguments for closure have been farcical. The council undertook a consultation exercise, then ignored our wishes.

"We are extremely saddened by this decision. Closure of the school will tear the heart out of our community and we are going to fight it all the way," he added.

The decision is expected to be ratified by Lancashire County Council next month before being referred to Education Secretary David Blunkett for approval.

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