Hopes are growing that Chirton Primary School can remain open after a public meeting last week.

The 21-pupil school, near Devizes, was set to shut at the end of the year after governors failed to attract more pupils or devise a federation scheme with nearby schools.

But following a report in the Gazette & Herald, the governors received numerous offers of help and ended the consultation process that could have spelled closure.

Chairman of governors Nicky Wragg said: “Follow-ing offers of support from other schools, a task group has been set up.”

It includes Mrs Wragg, pro-spective parent Rob Hart, and Mike Welsh, head of a successful academy in Swindon.

Mrs Wragg said: “Mike Welsh gave an outline of the plans for the school and how he and many others firmly believe it can be a strong, vibrant and successful school.

“Dr Patrick Hazlewood, from St John’s School in Marlborough, spoke of his commitment to help save our local schools from the threat of closure and promised his support and help.

“Parents and villagers held a question-and-answer session and everyone left happy with a vision of how Chirton School will be able to have a bright future.

“Many parents have vowed to stay on and support the school and their children are happy to be able to remain at their local school.”

Governors decided at their meeting on June 20 to end the consultation process and said they would keep the school open until at least July 2013.