AN action group which hopes to save a village school has thanked a Darlington business for its support.

Share (Save Hurworth and Rural Education) is opposing plans close Hurworth School and Eastbourne Comprehensive in the town and merge them in a new 1,200 school on industrial land on the edge of town.

The council plans for Hurworth to take over Eastbourne - but Hurworth residents are unhappy that they will lose their village school.

Last week, Cummins Engines Ltd, which has a factory next to the proposed new school site, off Yarm Road, spoke out against the plans. Safety manager Frank Walsh said the firm would object in principle and, if a planning application was drawn up, the company would be one of the first to object.

Yesterday, Ian Holme, of Share, said he wanted to thank Cummins for their opposition.

The company said there are very real safety concerns associated with a school on this site.

Mr Holme said: "The statement from Cummins is most welcome. Quite how the council can continue with these proposals in the face of such opposition is beyond us.

"Surely even they must see how important it is for such a major employer as Cummins to be allowed to prosper in Darlington."

Share is continuing its work on alternative proposals to allow Hurworth to remain in its rural location.

The group is also planning a public meeting.