Pupils at Elwick Hall Primary School, named as one that could close under the Government's £50m Primary Capital Programme, have put together the video to express what the village school and its closure would really mean to them.

The school in North Lane, Elwick, has handed the video to the council's Schools Transformation Project Board in the hope that it will leave a lasting impression on those making the final decision.

The school's ICT support co-ordinator Karen Cronin said: "The children are really passionate about not closing the school."

The children, aged between nine and 11, filmed their own news report style footage as part of the Put the Heart back into Elwick campaign, talking about their school projects and role in the community.

Mrs Cronin said: "They interviewed each other and there's a little bit of description.

"A specialist came in and did workshops on camera angles and interview techniques.

"We have got a lovely community setting here with high levels of attainment, everybody knows everybody else and the kids feel safe and secure here.

"It's not just about bricks and mortar or pens and pencils, it's about losing the heart of the community and enriching education."

The video, made by Year 5 and 6 children, will also appear on a new website called the Primary Channel, set up by the town's Grange Primary School, where five participating town schools are uploading their news videos surrounding general school life.

A consultation on the proposals that could also see Hart Primary, Ward Jackson Primary, Rossmere Primary Owton Manor Primary and Seaton Carew Nursery close, ended on July 31 and council chiefs say no final decisions have been made.

A report is expected to go to Hartlepool Borough Council's cabinet on October 13, which is expected to be followed by a further round of consultation.

Mrs Cronin added: "We are hopeful. We don't want to say we are confident but we are hopeful that we have done the right thing and put rational arguments forward on educational grounds and the grounds that are best for the children."