Consultation over the future of two neighbouring Mid Wales schools threatened by closure has seen a large majority in favour of keeping open the school which has just four extra pupils.

There has been little support for the one suggestion that could see both primary schools in Llanfihangel and Llanwddyn kept open.

Llanfihangel Church in Wales School, which has 13 pupils this year and 11 enrolled for 2008/09, and Efyrnwy School, which has 17 pupils and 13 enrolled for next year, were both recommended for closure earlier this year by Powys County Council.

But, after a public outcry, the county returned to the area with seven new options, six meaning either Llanfihangel or Llanwddyn would lose their primary school, the seventh suggesting the two schools run as one, federated school, sharing finances.

Powys County Council will debate the results of the consultation on Tuesday.

It shows that 212 people filled in forms putting their preferences for the future of education in the area.

For their first preference 66 per cent wanted one of three options keeping a school at Llanwddyn but closing Llanfihangel.

However 32 per cent wanted to keep a school at Llanfihangel, closing Ysgol Efyrnwy.

Consultees were asked for their first to fourth preferences and only people’s fourth preference saw any large support for federation – 49 per cent.

Those in favour of keeping a school in Llanfihangel said it was more central to the area, that the school was essential to keep the Welsh language alive.

But those in favour of retaining a school in Llanwddyn said that the building had excellent facilities.