CAMPAIGNERS have won the first round of their battle to save a New Forest school from closure.

A proposal to keep Calmore Infant School open was approved at a meeting yesterday of the county council's education policy review committee.

But the decision must be ratified by Hampshire's education boss Don Allen who will reach his verdict tomorrow.

Moves to close the infant school and merge it with an adjoining junior school will be scrapped if Councillor Allen agrees with the comments made during yesterday's debate.

Councillors were lobbied by New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis, who referred to the threat hanging over all schools with surplus places.

He said: "After Dibden Bay, this is the single most important issue affecting my constituency.

"There's a danger that a ruthless mathematical formula will be applied which could result in the closure of good schools that are performing well."

Sandie Dalton, representing parents, referred to the "transformation" that had taken place at Calmore Infant School since Anne Neale took over as head teacher.

She added: "People are moving into the Calmore area just so their children can go there."

Gerry Etherington, chairman of governors at the infant school, said: "Amalgamating us with Calmore Junior School would cause a great deal of disruption, both physical and emotional."

Totton county councillor Frank Bright said they were excellent schools that should both be kept open and allowed to flourish.

Hythe member Brian Dash agreed, saying Cllr Allen would be acting in the best interests of the local community if he approved the recommendation.

Committee chairman Mel Kendal, who is also leader of New Forest District Council, referred to a site visit the committee made to both schools.

He said: "All the councillors came away with a very warm feeling. I'd like to thank the staff for what they are doing."

The committee will meet again on March 2 to debate the future of other Forest schools that have been hit by falling pupil numbers.