PLANS have been revealed to close two schools on the outskirts of Darlington and replace them with a £3m primary school.

The new building would replace Middleton St George Primary School with a voluntary-aided school built in conjunction with the Anglican Diocese of Durham.

If the scheme receives approval, Sadberge CE Primary School would also close and the pupils would be transferred by council-operated buses to the new school.

The school would accommodate 315 children and Darlington Borough Council hopes it would meet the growing demand for places at the Middleton St George village school.

Applications for places at the school are about 48 although the school's admission limit is set at only 30.

In contrast, Sadberge school has a capacity for 110 pupils, but the current school roll is only 50. It is hoped the new school would equal out these differences.

The cost of bringing the current school in Middleton St George up to modern standards is estimated at more than £600,000, but the money for the new school would be applied for by the diocese, which would help the local authority run the pupils' education.

The voluntary-aided school would also include a 39-place nursery and would work closely with the Middleton St George playgroup to offer additional nursery care.

Other facilities planned, which could be used by the community outside of school hours, include sports facilities, a large hall and a games area.

Because the new school would be voluntary-aided, the Diocese of Durham would be responsible for providing the site and buildings. The diocese would apply for grants from the Department for Education and Skills for 90 per cent of the cost of the project with the council contributing the remaining ten per cent.

Councillor John Williams, leader of Darlington council said: "This is another exciting education opportunity in Darlington and for the rural, eastern part of the borough in particular."

The council will discuss the proposals next week.