GOVERNORS debating plans to relocate a school ranked among the best in the country last night urged council bosses to consider a new proposal.

Darlington Borough Council sparked controversy earlier this month by revealing its hopes to close high-flying Hurworth School and troubled Eastbourne Comprehensive.

Education chiefs want to amalgamate the two in a 1,200-capacity Hurworth School, in Yarm Road, Darlington.

The Hurworth board of governors met yesterday for talks that could have seen the project either approved or rejected.

But governors have instead issued a fresh challenge to council chiefs - to consider preserving the school in the village.

Chairman of governors Robin Mair said in a statement: "To assist it (the board) to reach a conclusion, it requests the authority to fully evaluate rebuilding Hurworth School on the existing site and expanding its capacity to meet future needs."

Such a move would be likely to win support in the village, particularly after dozens of residents packed a parish council meeting earlier this week to call for the school to be retained in the community.

Mr Mair said a further statement would be made once a response had been received from the council and considered by the governing body.

But the borough council appeared to immediately rule out the suggestion last night.

A spokeswoman said: "We have looked at that option and we can supply the governors with our evaluation of why we are proposing a 1,200-place school on a new site."

Meanwhile, Hurworth Parish Council yesterday announced it had changed the date and venue for a public meeting about the issue next week.

It will now take place on Wednesday at the Grange Community Centre, at 7.30pm.