THE controversy over education reforms in the borough of Darlington is a difficulty which is rapidly taking on national proportions for Tony Blair.

A Prime Minister who is placing parental choice at the heart of his vision for improvements in Britain's education system is having to face parents from his own constituency whose wishes are being denied.

It was only a matter of time before the national Press caught up with the irony. In fact, we are surprised it has taken them so long.

Governors of the successful Hurworth School - which lies in Mr Blair's Sedgefield constituency - have rejected council plans to merge the school with troubled Eastbourne in a new academy.

But the local authority, convinced that it is the right way forward, has signalled its intent to go ahead, arguing it would be "irresponsible and wrong" to dismiss a potential investment of £25m.

"What about our choice?" the Hurworth parents have every right to argue.

But, equally, so do Eastbourne parents, who fear their children may be denied the choice of a better education if a resolution is not found.

It is a hugely difficult and sensitive local issue which is bound increasingly to be seen as an illustration of the confusion surrounding the Government's national policies on education.