A CONTROVERSIAL plan to create a city academy in Darlington has taken a new twist.

Hurworth School's governing body said its advisory group had decided the scheme was not in the school's best interests.

Governors had originally supported the closure of Hurworth School to merge it with Eastbourne in a new £20m site in Yarm Road, Darlington.

However they consider this vote void now the plans have changed and a £25m academy is being proposed by Darlington Borough Council.

The advisory group has suggested the school seeks foundation status, which would allow it to be self-governed, with less input from the local authority.

The full governing body will vote on the issue next Wednesday.

But Ada Burns, the chief executive of the council, urged the governing body to think carefully about the advisory group's recommendation.

She said: "It is quite inconceivable that anyone would not wish to take advantage of such a wonderful opportunity that will benefit the lives of so many children."

Action group Share (Save Hurworth and Rural Education) is also in favour of seeking foundation status.

Ian Holme, of Share, said: "We look forward to next week's full board meeting with cautious optimism.

"Share are very appreciative of the governors efforts in extremely difficult circumstances."

Darlington Borough Council's vision places Hurworth School at the centre of a school improvement service designed to spread ideas and best practice across the town.

Both the governors and Share are supportive of this plan.

Ms Burns said: "This recommendation still has to go to the governing body and it would be tragic if, at this early stage, they were not willing to explore the opportunity to secure more than £20m for a new school.

"The DfES has told us that an application for foundation status will in no way affect the council's plans to submit an expression of interest for an academy so I urge the governing body to think carefully and to seek advice from us on the idea of foundation status before any decision is made."

Share said the group was still opposed to the planned move to a former industrial site on the edge of Darlington.