Parents and governors of a rural school in Carmarthenshire have vowed to fight to save it from closure.

About 70 people packed the village hall at Cwmifor, near Llandeilo on Wednesday night, to look at ways to keep the school open.

The school lacks a playing field and hall.

With just 23 pupils, Carmarthenshire council has earmarked the school for closure because it says it is too old and costly to run.

But parents claim it provides excellent education.

The council has started the consultation process which could lead to closure of the school which lacks a playing field and hall.

Pupils would be transferred to neighbouring schools.

The biggest problem for Cwmifor is that the village is only three miles from Llandeilo which has two primary schools - one of which is a dedicated Welsh medium school.

Many parents who live in Cwmifor already send their children to schools in the nearby town.

Mark Brookes: Shocked

Mark Brookes, chairman of governors at Cwmifor, said the possible closure of the school has come as a shock.

"We've just gone through an inspection in which we did very well.

"My family are English and we came to the area 19 years ago.

"Our two children have gone through the school and they are both fluent in Welsh.

"It enhances their way of life around here.

"They get more individual attention in smaller schools," said Mr Brookes

Sad decision

Wyn Thomas, chairman of the local community council, said he was saddened by the council's decision to look at closing the school.

"It's a pity to see children from the countryside go to school in the town," he said.

Three schools in the area - Llanddeusant, Bethlehem and Cwmdu - have all closed in recent years.

The future of schools in Llanddowror and Cefnbrynbrain will also be decided at the same time as Cwmifor.