SWANSBORO — The North Carolina Court of Appeals has overturned a decision that could have led to expansion of the Hammocks Beach State Park near Swansboro.

The court overturned a decision that the N.C. State Board of Education should be trustee for the nearly 300 acres of land next to the park.

The court awarded the property to the grandchildren of the late John and Gertrude Hurst, who had challenged the state's claim to the property.

The State Board of Education had expected to turn the land over to the Division of Parks and Recreation, probably to expand the state park.

David Pearson with Friends of the Hammocks says he hopes the state will appeal the case to the N.c.Supreme Court.