A recruitment campaign by one of Britain's smallest schools has paid off - with a 25 per cent boost in pupil numbers.

Rookhope School, in Weardale, has just 22 children on the roll - five infants and 17 juniors.

The tiny numbers prompted concerned staff to launch their own recruitment campaign reminding parents about the benefits of small country schools.

And since it started the campaign just a month ago, five new pupils have signed up to attend Rookhope primary school in Weardale, County Durham.

This will increase the school's roll call to 27 - and the parents of a further two children have shown an interest in the school since its pupil appeal was featured in the Northern Echo on March 8.

"We are thrilled to bits. We never expected there would be such a rapid response as this, " said headteacher Jane Howstan.

"It's going to be marvellous for the present 22 pupils at the school, because they are going to have the opportunity of making new friends."

Staff have designed a series of posters urging parents to exercise their right to choose and send their children to Rookhope. The posters have been used throughout Weardale and further afield.

Rookhope is second only to Forest in Teesdale, which has just 15 pupils, for the primary school with the lowest roll call in County Durham. Amazingly, there are even smaller schools in rural areas of Northumberland.

Its pupils,receive tuition from the school's two full-time teachers, with support from a special needs teacher and a steady flow of students from Durham University and Bishop Auckland College.

Mrs Howstan and her staff are now to hold an open day at the school, which boasts a high level of support for pupils of all abilities in "a secure and happy place". Parents will be able to look around the school and discuss their children's education with staff from 10am to 2pm on Tuesday, April 9.

For more information, contact Jane Howstan on (01388) 517268.