MALSIS School is to close at the end of the autumn term.

The independent preparatory and pre-preparatory school at Glusburn had been looking to merge with Giggleswick School.

But, yesterday, the governors announced that the merger talks had ended and the school would close in December.

The move has been blamed on refurbishment costs being significantly higher than anticipated, combined with slower than expected development income coming on stream.

The governors will liaise with Craven Council over the impact of the news on plans to build 50 homes on two sites within the school grounds, which have already received outline planning permission.

Robert Austin, governor and chairman of the finance committee at Malsis School, said: "Malsis is a school with a fine history and a proud record, so it is with very great regret and sadness that we make this announcement as this means that the school is now faced with closure.

"We would like to thank staff and parents, past and present, and the local community for their help and support over the last few very challenging years."

South Craven county councillor Philip Barrett said he was shocked and saddened at the news.

"It's been a successful educational establishment for almost 100 years. I'd hoped its future would have been secured with the planned merger with Giggleswick School," he said.