Three primary schools will join together to form a single new one.

Education watchdogs have given permission for Fishersgate First School, Manor Hall First School and Manor Hall Middle School in Adur to merge.

The announcement ends years of uncertainty over the schools' future and the headteachers have spoken of their relief.

West Sussex County Council wanted the change to bring them in line with the rest of the district.

It intended to create an 'all-through' primary school where children leave for secondary education at 11.

Until now, pupils have been at Manor Hall Middle School until they are 12.

The independent School Organisation Committee approved the plans and the new school is expected to open in September next year.

It will be split between existing sites at Fishersgate in Gardner Road, Portslade, and Manor Hall Road, Southwick.

There will be one headteacher, it will cater for children aged four to 11 years old and offer 60 places a year.

Andrew Morris, the headteacher at Fishersgate, said: "The staff and governors are absolutely delighted. We are going to have this and it will be linked to a new children's centre and healthy living centre which gives the whole community a tremendous future.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for people to get services on their doorstep which they traditionally have to go elsewhere for."

At one time the county council suggested closing Fishersgate altogether but a Government schools adjudicator ruled against it.

Mr Morris added: "This has been going on for two traumatic years and it's great to get such a positive result. We're in a winning situation."

He thanked staff, governors and parents that had campaigned for his school's future to be secured.

Pippa Bird, the headteacher at Manor Hall First School, said: "I am very pleased it's going ahead. We were lagging behind the other schools in Adur who have gone over to the new system.

"I am particularly glad that education is going to carry on at Fishersgate.

"This has got to go ahead and I think we just need to put the past behind us.

"We want what is best for the children and best for the community."

Julie Scott, the headteacher at Manor Hall Middle School, said: "We are totally committed to primary education as we feel it is in the best interest of the children to remain in the same school from four to 11.

"We are pleased with this decision."

Mark Dunn, the county councillor responsible for children and young people's services, said: "I am pleased we have managed to find a solution which fits in with the county council's plans as well as the wishes of the community to keep schools open in both locations."

The next step will be for the county council to establish a temporary governing body of the new school.