PARENTS concerned about a new school have been invited to have their say about the plans.

The Vardy Foundation, backers of a new city academy to be built in south Middlesbrough, is to set up a parents' consultative group to help shape the new school.

The foundation claims the academy, which will replace Middlesbrough Brackenhoe and Coulby Newham secondary schools, "will present the teachings of the Bible as the starting point for positive living.''

One group of parents is calling for the intervention of Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose Government is behind the city academy initiative, to give them guarantees about how much religion will feature in their children's education.

Announcing plans for a parents' consultative group, David Vardy for the foundation, said yesterday: "We are keen to establish a consultative group of parents who will make a vital contribution to planning every stage of its development right through to the opening in September, next year.

"Once the academy is actually open we will, of course, be establishing an academy council which will include parents as well as representatives of many other interests involved with the school and local community.''

A member of a concerned parents action group said: "Will the foundation pick the parents ?

" I can't see any of us being invited to take up places. It looks all very fancy, but I suspect all this pussy-footing around is to make it look good. I am not convinced that it won't be a complete waste of time.''