PARENTS wept as Hampshire's education boss closed a village school near Romsey.

Ampfield Primary School, which has been in the village for 108 years, was axed only 48 hours after being given a reprieve by the county's school's committee. The school, which has just 23 pupils, costs council taxpayers £216,000 a year - almost £10,000 per pupil.

Hampshire school's chief boss Don Allen said the money could not be justified.

In Romsey, however, campaigners were celebrating as Cllr Allen backed their scheme to create a 210-place primary in the town.

Romsey Infant and Junior schools were destined for the axe - but will now be rolled into one primary school in Mercer Way, due to open in September 2006.

For the full story see today's Spotlight feature under the 'More News' section.