PARENTS and governors fighting village school closures are preparing to put their case to Durham County Council.

The local authority has set a deadline of July 18 for responses to a proposed shake-up, which could see up to 23 schools closing and dozens more merged over the next ten to 15 years.

Three public meetings have already been held at Peases West Primary, which recently won a School Achievement Award for improving standards.

If the plan goes ahead, children could have to travel to Crook.

Peases West parents argue that the school plays a valuable community role and should be developed instead of closed.

At one of Durham's smallest schools, Wearhead Primary in Upper Weardale, parents of the 34 pupils delivered questionnaires to homes between St John's Chapel and Killhope.

Wearhead has also won a School Achievement Award.

A Durham County Council spokeswoman stressed that any reorganisation plans were long term.

She said: "We have said we want to hear people's initial views before the end of term on July 18. The full consultation period will take place later. People's views will be respected."