A COUNTY'S MPs and Lords are to be briefed over a radical education shake-up that could see 23 schools closing in coming years.

Durham County Council leader Ken Manton will head a delegation from the authority to outline its controversial "blueprint for excellence" to local parliamentary representatives.

The meeting will give the education authority a chance to explain its plans to create "world-class" schools over the next ten to 15 years to the county's MPs and representatives in the House of Lords.

Earlier this month, the authority outlined its initial proposals for a fundamental overhaul in school provision aimed at ensuring County Durham's young people receive the best education in the best surroundings.

However, the proposal to reduce the county's 12,000 surplus places by identifying 23 schools for potential closure and up to 96 others for amalgamation caused a lot of unrest among affected staff, governors, pupils and parents.

After the announcement, dozens of parents and pupils at Burnhope Primary, between Lanchester and Stanley, staged a noisy protest at the school gates, vowing to teach their children at home rather than bus them to neighbouring villages, should the suggested closure of the school proceed.

Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster said he welcomed the county council's "long-term objectives" and its pledge to consult widely on the proposals as they are developed further.

He said: "Our children deserve world-class schools to prepare them for the challenges of the 21st Century.

"However, it is only through widespread consultation and close co-operation with parents, school governors, teachers and local communities that the county council can mobilise a broad consensus to achieve this ambition."

The county council delegation heads to London for the briefing next Monday.