PARISH councils have joined to help in the fight to save a village school.

Parish council representatives from Hurworth, Middleton St George, Bishopton, Neasham and Low Dinsdale, Low Coniscliffe and Merrybent, Heighington and Whessoe met to discuss the future of Hurworth School.

Darlington Borough Council wants Hurworth to take over Eastbourne Comprehensive on a new site on the edge of Darlington.

Both governing bodies have welcomed the plans, but Hurworth villagers have objected.

During the meeting at Darlington's town hall, five of the councils agreed to offer their support the village action group Share (Save Hurworth and Rural Education).

Low Coniscliffe and Merrybent Parish Council and Bishopton Parish Council said they needed to consult the full parish council, before making a decision.

Archdeacon Newton and Sadberge parish councils could not attend the meeting.

Share representative, Norma Kyle, said: "It is very reassuring to receive the support of our local representatives. They will have a key role to play in defeating the borough council's proposals."

Share has requested that the parish councils object to the proposals when the formal consultation process commences in September.

Over the summer, the action group will be working on alternative proposals to keep Hurworth school in the village.

A number of fundraising events have already been arranged with more in the pipeline.