Owen Patterson, North Shropshire MP, watched staff and pupils at Selattyn Primary School in Oswestry release 300 balloons in protest at the closure.

The school is one of 22 village schools earmarked for closure as part of county council's plans to save money.

But staff maintained the school is full with an excellent academic and sporting record.

'Radical change'

The proposals have been met with anger and disappointment from pupils, parents and governors and many people have gathered outside their schools to protest.

Mr Patterson is meeting schools minister Jim Knight on Wednesday to ask the government for more funding for the county.

He said he is confident that if he is successful, the county council will abandon their plans.

But council leaders claim radical change is needed because of declining pupil numbers and money pressures.

Most are small village schools with fewer than 90 pupils. Sixteen other schools are recommended for merger as part of the major reorganisation.