Durham County Council is proposing to shut Startforth Morritt Primary School, near Barnard Castle, County Durham. The school is a valued part of the community and has been for many years. With 226 family homes being built in Startforth, it will continue to play an important role in life of the village, which has already lost its pub, shop and doesn’t have a village hall. Let’s back rural communities like Startforth - not close the last remaining facilities.

This is the second rural school in Teesdale that Durham County Council has proposed to close in two months, creating uncertainty and worry for residents, parents and worst of all the children themselves.

The council believes bigger is better. We don't - we think small schools have their place and can give children a wonderful education, especially in rural areas.

One child at Startforth has written: "I want the school to stay open because I need a school that doesn't have a lot of children and because I know everyone here and love this school lots." He has autism but Startforth school is able to nurture him in a small environment. He's one of many happy children there.

One mother said: "I sat and sobbed last night over it. Closing the school is a massive blow because we have a really close relationship with the teachers. The poor teachers if this goes ahead, they are loved by all the children.”