THE controversial closure of Horton-in-Ribblesdale CE Primary School could ultimately be reversed following an appeal to the government office in charge of schools.

The village school - which has just 12 children on the roll - is due to close at the end of the summer term following a decision by North Yorkshire County Council in February.

But following an appeal by parents and supporters to the Office of the Schools Adjudicator, a hearing will be held at the school on Wednesday, May 24.

The public meeting will be headed by adjudicator David Lennard Jones who will consider the views of anyone who wishes to comment, either in person, or later by email.

A spokesman for the Friends of Horton-in-Ribblesdale School urged supporters to either attend the hearing, or to send in their comments to the government office.

"This is our chance at an unbiased review. Mr Lennard -Jones is reviewing the whole case - every letter written, every piece of evidence, every harsh judgement, every time we have faced obstruction, everything ignored, the timeline and the future. The adjudicator can completely overturn everything and allow us to open our doors in September," said the spokesman.

The county council and the Leeds Diocese agreed to close Horton School - last rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted at the end of the school year because of falling numbers and no prospect of new families moving into the area because of a lack of new homes being built.

The closure was opposed by the Yorkshire Dales National Park and by Craven District Council, and by governors, parents and friends.

The hearing will be held at the school in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, at 6.30pm on May 24.

Written representations need to be sent to the adjudicator by May 31 to osa.team@osa.gsi.gov.uk, or by post to Tracy Vaughan, Office of Schools Adjudicator, Bishopsgate House, Feethams, Darlington, DL1 5QE.