Worried parents are concerned that their children will have to travel much further for their education.

There are growing fears that the school, in Don Gardens, West Boldon, will have to close as part of a move to slash surplus places in South Tyneside's schools.

Mr Hepburn said: "I very much support the parents' fight to keep Boldon C of E Primary open.

"The school is one of the few Church of England-led schools in the area.
"While other schools are amalgamating, Boldon, along with St Bede's School in Jarrow, is proposed for closure.

"It would be disappointing to see these schools in my constituency close."

The Boldon school is one of 15 in the borough affected by the Transforming Our Primary Schools (Tops) programme.

Most are amalgamating to tackle surplus places, but Boldon C of E and St Bede's have been earmarked to shut.

However, there will be full consultation about the proposals with parents, staff, governors, trade unions and the community before the council reaches a decision early next year.