Sing up for our school

The pupils at Nottinghamshire’s smallest school hope to score a hit with a song that pleads for it to be saved.

People around the world can download Besthorpe School’s song SOS from the Advertiser website, or buy it from the newspaper’s offices or the school.

The 15 children spent a day recording the song, written by parent Mr Matt Stone, to make their own protest against Nottinghamshire County Council’s closure threat.

Money from its sale will swell the school’s fighting fund.

Parents and governors are determined to save the tiny school, which they say provides a good education in friendly, safe surroundings.

Mr Stone (46) of Moor Lane, South Scarle, said: “This is not just about Besthorpe. There are 2,500 other schools across the country that could face closure too. I feel very strongly that something needs to be done.”

It took Mr Stone two days to write the lyrics and he then composed the music on his guitar.

The pupils worked with Mr Stone recording the song at his home.

He then stayed up all night to put the CD together.

It also has three other recordings, including ones of the children singing Food Glorious Food from their production of Oliver, and one of them playing their violins.

Charlotte Cook (6) said it had been great fun to make their own CD and now she wanted everyone to buy a copy.

The county council claims the number of pupils will fall, but the governors’ chairman, Mrs Lucy Cook, said new pupils would join.

Kate Wood of the Friends of Besthorpe Primary School said the county council said the school would be safe if the numbers doubled.

She said anyone interested in their child being educated at the school should Maria Hewitt-Cook on 01636 894056 this week.

“We would especially ask 11 who have already shown an interest to get in touch immediately,” said Kate Wood.

The parish council has voted unanimously to support the campaign to keep the school open.

Newark MP Mr Patrick Mercer has given his backing to the campaign and is among 1,500 people who have signed a petition.

He said small schools could offer a better standard of education than some larger ones .

The county council is due to make a decision in June.

The CD costs only £1 if collected, or £1.25 if downloaded to cover credit card charges.

The address for downloading is www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/sos.