CONSULTATION on the future of an 'inadequate' village school in Torridge that is already seeing 'rapid improvements' will take place after Christmas.

The Post reported last week that Holsworthy Federation executive headteacher David Fitzsimmons met with parents of pupils at Pyworthy Church of England Primary School to discuss its possible future.

Now, Mr Fitzsimmons has told parents in a letter that a consultation will take place in the New Year.

The school, which joined the Holsworthy Federation in 2011, was rated 'inadequate' in its latest Ofsted inspection and placed into special measures.

The options given were for the school to become an academy or close, but parent Nula Robinson said the closure of the school would 'destroy' the village.

The Diocese of Exeter said, as a Voluntary Controlled School, the Diocese does not have the right to decide the future of Pyworthy, although it does own the school land.

A spokesperson for the Diocese added: "We believe that deciding to close the school at this stage would be a mistake and that other options should be explored."

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.