ROAD safety protests from patents and governors have saved a school's crossing patrol.

Durham County Council's highways committee agreed yesterday that Eldon Lane Primary, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, can keep the service, which helps children across a busy main road at Busty Bank.

The council had carried out a review of the service following the resignation of the last crossing warden and there were fears that a replacement would not be authorised.

County councillor Phil Graham said the school could now advertise the post.

He said: "The school is absolutely delighted."

Headteacher Dorothy Hope said she was very relieved by the decision.

Governors' chairman Chris Foote Wood added: "The safety argument has won the day."