A 108-year-old Hampshire primary school was today axed by county education bosses after pupil numbers plummeted.

Despite hopes that it would be saved, Ampfield Primary School near Romsey will now be closed at the end of September 2006.

The shock announcement has left parents and governors stunned.

Just two days ago Hampshire County Council's education committee voted eight to five to save the rural primary school which has only 23 pupils, some of them the fourth generation in their families to attend.

Despite hearing that it cost almost £10,000 per child to keep the school open, they decided it was an essential part of the community.

Today education boss Don Allen overruled them, saying the additional cost of running the school is well in excess of £100,000.

He said: "Given that there is no overall need for the school, it is difficult to see how such additional expenditure can be justified since it is only available at the expense of other pupils in the county.

"The level of surplus places in the area is at an unacceptable and growing level and the school contributes to this surplus."

Campaigners were outraged at the decision.

Councillor Alan Dowden, who represents the area on Hampshire County Council, said: "With the system we have now, one man can take that undemocratic decision which is plainly ridiculous. There will be a backlash from the community about this. I am personally very disappointed."

Tony Knight, chairman of governors at Ampfield, said: "We are disappointed that the threat of closure still hangs over our school and that the democratic wishes of councillors who represent our community have been overridden in this way."

The Romsey schools review was triggered earlier this year by falling pupil numbers across the area.

It was projected that by 2009 one in

four seats in Romsey classrooms would be empty.

Ampfield parents and governors had pleaded for an extra three years to give them time to boost pupil numbers.

Council officers will now work with families to help them find alternative schools, and governing bodies of nearby schools will be consulted about catchment area changes.