Campaigners are celebrating after winning their fight to keep West Sussex's three remaining intermediate schools open.

The county council says it will make no change to the age of transfer in the Midhurst, Petworth and Storrington areas.

The decision by Cabinet Member for Education and the Arts, Sally Greenwell, comes after a task force, set up to look into the future of intermediate schools, recommended no change.

Mrs Greenwell said: "There was no hidden agenda. We started this process with an open mind. Having examined the conclusions of the task force I can see no overriding reason for change.

"However, we will be looking at the issue of falling pupil numbers and identifying ways in which the county council can support the development of educational provision."

The schools affected, which have children from the ages of 10 and 13, were Rydon Community College at Thakeham, near Storrington, The Herbert Shiner School at Petworth and Midhurst Intermediate School.

Eileen Jenkin, headteacher of Rydon Community College, said: "I am pleased the strengths of the system have been recognised by the county council and the wishes of the community have been acknowledged."

Claire Goring, spokesman for the Keep Intermediate Schooling Safe campaign, said: "We're delighted the education authority has listened to the views of local people on this issue.

"The current system works exceptionally well, providing a high standard of education for our children as well as vital community links.

"We await details of some of the issues highlighted by the task force."