PARENTS and pupils held an 11th hour protest last night at a school earmarked to close.

Councillors are to meet today to decide the future of Hamsteels Primary School, in Esh Winning. They have issued statutory notices, and today's meeting could seal the fate of the 61-pupil school.

Children designed banners and held a demonstration to show how much it means to the community.

Mother Dawn Gardner, of Western Avenue, Esh Winning, said: "This is a good school at the heart of the community, and closing it will be a disaster. No one wants to send their children elsewhere."

The school needs £207,000- worth of repairs, and Esh Winning Primary School, a mile away, is at half its capacity.

Derwentside district councillor Malcolm Campbell, who represents Cornsay, and is a member of the Derwentside Independents, is supporting the parents and wants the school kept open.

He said: "People feel very strongly about keeping this school open. Most of the children walk to school here, but you cannot expect parents to walk their children over a mile in all weathers."

The decision will be made at a cabinet meeting of Durham County Council at County Hall, at 10am.

A report by David Williams, corporate director of children and young people's services, advises members to close the school.

If councillors agree, the school will not reopen after the summer holidays.