A YEAR-LONG battle by parents to keep a school open has been lost.

The Government has announced that the 215-pupil Tedder Primary School, in Thornaby, will close because of surplus places.

Diane Marley, spokeswoman for the parents, said: "We are stunned more than anything. It feels like a death in the family, and we don't know what is going on.

"They have not told us what they are going to be with our children. We are in limbo.''

In a statement on behalf of the Office of the Schools Adjudicator, Ann Holt said while regard had been paid to the strong objections of parents, staff and governors, she was "satisfied that the phased closure of the Tedder School site as a school is appropriate as part of the measures that need to be taken now, and in the future, to make the most prudent use of finite resources to the benefit of overall educational provision in the borough."

Headteacher Jean Hamilton said: "We are very disappointed and shocked with the decision. Governors, staff, parents and the community have put a lot of hard work with the whole community in trying to keep the community school open.

"We are very grateful for all the support we have received and would like to express our heartfelt thanks to those who have put their time and effort into working with us."

The vice-chairman of the governors, Martin Burnett, said: "It is so disappointing. We felt we had put together a very viable option and a strong case for the school not to close, but it is a decision we have got to work with.

"Our priority now is to work with the local education authority to make sure our pupils get the best provision and that whatever transition is put into place, the children don't suffer."

Details of a time frame for the closure of the school are yet to be announced. Tedder has 12 teachers, ten classroom assistants, cleaning staff and a caretaker.

The number of children in Thornaby has fallen from 2,043 in 1996 to what will be an estimated 1,543 in 2006, leaving the council with 500 surplus primary places.

Alterations are being made to other schools in the town, Bader and Mandale Mill, to take the Tedder children.