A RADNORSHIRE village primary school is to close at the end of this year- after the Welsh Government gave the decision its backing.

Beguildy Church in Wales Primary School, near Knighton, was proposed for closure in November last year.

Welsh education minister Huw Lewis has supported Powys County Council's decision following a campaign by parents to save the school from closure.

Letters confirming the closure were due to go home with pupils today as they break up for the half term holiday.

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The school, which currently has 19 pupils, will close at the end of the December term, with an official closure date of December 31.

The council has named Knighton school as the official receiving school, though parents are free to send their children to other schools.

A council spokesman said: "We have received confirmation from the minister that he has accepted the council's closure proposals and that the school will close at the end of the year.

"The council will be working with parents and the school to ensure pupils have a smooth transition to the named receiving school, Knighton Primary School or the school of their choice."

The council is still awaiting a decision from Mr Lewis on its proposal to close John Beddoes school in Presteigne and re-open the site as an 11 to 16 campus of Newtown High School.