CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Horton-in-Ribblesdale Primary School from closure have invited decision makers to the school.

All eight members of North Yorkshire County Council's Executive, along with the Bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines, have been asked to see the school - which has just 15 pupils - for themselves before they make their decision - due on February 21.

Campaigners, made up of parents, governors and friends, are also asking if closure is to go ahead, that it be delayed from the proposed date of April 7 as its just two weeks before year six children sit their Standard Assessment Tests (SATs).

Joint chairman, Nicky Rhodes, said: "As it stands the children would have to move for one term to a new school, sit their exams with strangers, and then move to secondary school. The families involved are distressed, but the children themselves are increasingly unsettled and fearful. The council all along have stated that this closure is in 'the best interests of the children', but this date is clearly not about the children."

In their efforts to get decision makers to the school ahead of February 21, Mrs Rhodes and co-chairman, Mark Wilson, say it would be an opportunity to see the school in operation.

"A visit to the school would give you an opportunity to observe a taught class or toddler group activity, meet staff and students, watch a locally-produced film about the school and the role it plays within the community, and attend the regular community lunch event that the school hosts," they say.

A new headteacher, Martin Bishop, and two full time teachers were taken on by the governors at the start of the year, following the resignation of the former teachers.

The school is also working with outside bodies to create new opportunities including making it a centre for Dales 'outdoor education'.

The council says it has taken the decision to consult on the school's closure because of the impact of low numbers on the children's personal welfare and development and that its priority must be with the children's education.

The council is due to close its consultation on the school at 5pm on Thursday ahead of a final decision being made on February 21. Both the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Craven District Council have objected to the closure which they say goes against their own visions for the area.