PARENTS have launched an action group in a bid to gain extra places for children at a County Durham village school.

People in Coxhoe want more classroom space so all youngsters who want to go to Coxhoe Primary School can get in.

A total of 36 youngsters are looking to start at the school in September, but parents say there are only 30 places available.

The Coxhoe Kids in Coxhoe School action group was formed at a public meeting on Monday to win more places.

Last night the action group staged a public meeting in the village's Black Horse pub to decide what steps to take.

Posters highlighting the cause will be distributed in shops and other businesses throughout the village and there are plans to raise a petition.

The group also plans to invite Durham County Council representatives to a future meeting to discuss the problem.

Action group committee member Tom Inman said the school, built in 1908, could not cope with the demands placed on it in the 21st Century.

He said three new estates had been built in Coxhoe since the school opened, meaning there was now more competition for places.

He said: "The school needs to be brought up in size in relation to the size the village is now.

"Some kids are having to go to Kelloe School where they meet kids from different villages, then on a night time they don't have their school friends to play with."

Parents are also concerned about admissions criteria for the school which means youngsters living nearer to the premises, in Cornforth Lane, could be more likely to gain a place. A new housing estate has been built near the school.

Mr Inman said: "The new people who move near the school have more right to a place for their children than there is for children who live further away.

"It shouldn't matter where the children are from, they should all have a place at the school. We want all the kids in the village to go to Coxhoe school."

Durham County Council has said it will look closely at the case being made by parents