Primary school fights to save church next door

St Oswald's Church in Hebburn is being "considered" for closure due to falling numbers and volunteers

A primary school has shared its "frustration" at the potential closure of its neighbouring church.

Church of England officials have begun the process of closing St Oswald's in Hebburn, South Tyneside, along with St Cuthbert's, citing "falling congregation numbers" and a "lack of volunteers".

Helen Smith, head teacher at St Oswald's, said: "The church has been here since 1883 - it would be a huge blow, not only to the school but the wider community, if it was to close."

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Durham, which is overseeing the closure alongside the Church Commissioners, said: "If the churches do indeed close, the community will continue to be served by other nearby churches."

While Sunday services at St Oswald's draw a small congregation, the school argues that big events such as harvest festivals and nativities draw hundreds of people into the church.

"It's a spiritual home for us," Mrs Smith said. "It's incredibly vital to our school community.

"When we do worship events there and we fill it, the idea of going to a church further away just does not seem practical.

"We feel it is really important that even if we can't change the decision our voices are heard regarding how we feel and how this will affect our school community moving forward."

She has called for the school to have a say at the table on the decision to close the church. The diocese said anyone with "an interest" in the churches can contribute their views.

St Cuthbert's Church in Hebburn was also built in the late-19th Century as the town expanded

The Parochial Church Council of both St Cuthbert's and St Oswald's has started the process to the close both churches.

Parents and pupils at the school have also voiced their concerns about the potential closure and a campaign is under way on social media.

Gemma Seymour, who lives near to the church and whose three children attended the school, said: "It's emotional as the church has been there for generations, my family have had weddings and funerals there."

St Oswald's CofE School is less than a five-minute walk from the church it takes its name from

Year 6 pupil Harry said he hoped the church could stay open after "creating great memories" there during his time at primary school.

"I was Christened there and I just feel it would be a big loss to the community in Hebburn if it was to close," he said.

The Diocese of Durham said a consultation process was under way and it welcomed the views of "the school and the wider community".

"We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful volunteers who have supported our ministry and community over the years," a spokesperson said.