EDUCATION chiefs were last night criticised over their handling of a controversial schools closure announcement.

Earlier this week, Durham County Council revealed the names of 23 schools which could be shut, and a further 94 facing mergers, as part of an education shake-up.

The announcement was circulated by computer to headteachers at affected schools - but it was two days later before many found out.

David Farms, headteacher at Wearhead Primary School, in Upper Weardale, said the first he had heard that his school was being earmarked for closure was in The Northern Echo on Thursday morning.

The Echo has also heard of a headteacher who heard of the plans on the radio while on a school trip.

Mr Farms said his staff were incensed by the way they found out.

He said: "We had a meeting on Wednesday at which someone from the local education authority was present and this was not mentioned. To send an e-mail like this is like those people recently who got a text message to say they'd lost their jobs."

If the school - which has 35 children and 19 unfilled places - closes, the nearest school will St John's Chapel Primary, two miles away.

Council spokesman Ian Sadler said making the announcement by computer was the most immediate way of getting information out.

He admitted that the authority had had a "lot of disgruntled teachers on the phone", adding: "We have been stressing to them the fact that absolutely nothing is finalised. We want to consult with them, parents and the wider public."