A VILLAGE is campaigning for freedom of choice after a child was refused entry into a nearby primary school.

The continuing fight by parents for the chance to send youngsters from Middridge to nearby Byerley Park school, in Newton Aycliffe, has been simmering for years.

Now the parish council is writing to Prime Minister Tony Blair, the local MP, and Education Secretary David Blunkett asking for automatic rights for entry to the school.

Council member Anne Clarke said: "We have already proved Byerley Park is the nearest school."

Mrs Clarke, who is a governor at the school, said it was so popular that it easily fills the 35 places it has available.

She said: "The village school was closed down and when Byerley Park was built we were always told this was Middridge school and the children would be given a place.

"We feel disenfranchised because there isn't a school for Middridge anywhere if the schools were full up in the area.''

The child, who has not been named, has since found a place at another school after the parents decided not to appeal.

But the parish council feels it is time to take a stand.

Mrs Clarke said: "We are in the process of writing a letter of objection to Tony Blair and David Blunkett. We just think it should be sorted out instead of year-after-year wondering where the village children should go.''

A spokesman for Durham County Council's educational department said: "It is a school that is regularly over subscribed and we have to apply admissions criteria as we do in all applications.

"It should be noted that there are more than enough places available in Newton Aycliffe to cater for needs."