Many rural areas of Wales are losing their smaller schools

Welsh Education Minister Jane Davidson has supported Carmarthenshire council's plans to shut Llanddowror School, near St Clears.

Council leaders said it was "great news" because it would allow pupils to have a more modern education.

The school building will become a community centre.

The education authority said the closure was part of its plans to raise education standards across the county.

We have always maintained we are trying to create the best environment for youngsters to get a good education Mary Thomas, Carmarthenshire council

The closure of small schools in many areas of rural Wales has been controversial, because pupils would have to travel further from their home areas.

But supporters claim small schools are often too old or too costly to run.

It was approved by the council last year, and lifelong learning executive member Mary Thomas said: "This is great news because we have always maintained we are trying to create the best environment for youngsters to get a good education.

"We believe the plans we have outlined will give pupils the best and most modern facilities and the best chance to achieve their potential."

Pupils from Llanddowror will go to Ysgol Gryffudd Jones in St Clears, or other nearby Church in Wales schools from September.

Local authorities say the cost per pupil in small schools is greater than in larger ones.

Welsh language campaigners have protested about the closure of Llanddowror and other schools.

When the council discussed its proposals last year, members of Cymdeithas Yr Iaith Gymraeg complained that Welsh-speaking communities would lose "their most important asset for regeneration".