PUPILS of a closure-threatened primary school have erected a banner outside the building in protest.

Children, parents and grandparents from Rookhope Primary School, in Weardale, gathered for the unveiling of the banner this morning (April 8).

The rural community says it has been left “in limbo” by Durham County Council after it revealed it is still to decide whether a consultation to close the school, along with Forest-of-Teesdale Primary School, in Teesdale, will go ahead.

The news followed an earlier announcement by the council which stated that a consultation to close the two schools would start after Easter due falling pupil numbers.

Save Rookhope Primary School campaign leader, Ruth Nattrass said: “The children are mad keen to save their school and along with some parents and grandparents, have erected their poster in banner form outside school this morning.

“We are "in limbo" with the situation as there have been no major developments either way.

“The fight continues however until we receive formal notification that the school will remain open.”

To sign the petition for Rookhope visit democracy.durham.gov.uk