STAFF and governors at Penwithen School have pledged to fight on after County Hall bosses voted unanimously to close it.

The Dorset school, which caters for children with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD) looks set to close in September next year, although the cabinet decision still needs to be ratified by the schools organisation committee.

Staff and governors are now due to meet next Wednesday to assess what can be done at this late stage of the decision-making process to try and persuade schools organisation members to overturn yesterday's result and save the school.

Along with parents at the school and educational specialists, they have been campaigning for months to try and change the minds of education bosses at Dorset County Council, who have been insisting that the school is no longer needed.

The Daily Echo also ran a high-profile campaign in support of Penwithen, prompting more than 100 letters of support which were passed on to County Hall.

Acting head Lyle Harmon said: "Of course we are bitterly disappointed but I am also extremely concerned that Penwithen will be closed without alternative provision in place."

During the meeting, director of education David Goddard revealed plans to build a special unit catering for BESD youngsters aged 12 to 15 and another for Key Stage One and Two BESD children.

"There have been no referrals for Penwithen since July 2003 and we anticipate none during at least the schools years 2004/5 and 2005/6," said Mr Goddard.

"There are currently on 15 pupils at the school and next year there will be nine."

Elaine Robertson, inclusion worker at Penwithen, said: "The LEA is saying that BESD children are disappearing so the school isn't needed any more.

"This is complete rubbish."

First published: Sept 9