Montgomeryshire Senedd candidate Russell George has said there is a "strong case" for keeping Churchstoke's school open, and raised concerns over holding a consultation into its closure during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Conservative politician, who holds the Montgomeryshire seat in the Senedd going into next month's election, was speaking while on the campaign trail with former Conservative leader William Hague in Welshpool on Tuesday.

Churchstoke is one of a number of rural schools in Powys which are in line for closure.

Local parents have launched a petition aimed at saving the school from closure, with more than 1,400 people having signed so far.

And Mr George said: "In Churchstoke, there's a number of housing development taking place and I think there is a strong case to remain open because numbers are expected to increase in that area."

While he also raised concerns over the timing of the consultation, he laid the blame for the need to close schools at the door of the Welsh Government, however – and said he understood Powys Council's "dilemma" when it came to the closures.

He added: "I’m concerned that consultations have taken place during the pandemic because it's more difficult for people to give their views in the middle of a pandemic.

"We certainly need more funding for schools. We spend 15 per cent lower per pupil compared with England. If Powys County Council was funded adequately by the Welsh Government then we would be in a different position.

"Rural schools, especially small school, are really important to rural communities. But some schools are very, very small and Powys CC has this dilemma. The ultimate aim is to provide a good education for everybody."

Castle Caereinon Church in Wales School near Llanfair Caereinion, Llanfihangel Rhydithon County Primary School in Dolau near Llandrindod Wells and Llanbedr Church in Wales School near Crickhowell are the other three schools at imminent risk of closure under the current plans.