Campaigners are galvanising last-minute support to save the Beachy Head countryside centre.

They say the closure of the centre near Eastbourne, would be a sore loss to schools, historical and archeological societies.

Council bosses on Tory-led Eastbourne Borough Council decided to close the centre later this month as part of its budget in February.

Losses have been estimated at more than £15,000 but campaigners want a reversal of the decision.

Richard Worsell, of Crangon Cottages, Birling Gap, near Eastbourne, said: "Since 1994, it has been a really good educational tool for people young and old who have learnt an awful lot about the South Downs."

Peter Mumford, chairman of the Sussex branch for the Council for the Protection of Rural England, said the closure was further reason for setting up a national park on the Downs.

He said: "One of the aims of a park is educational. The well-funded park authority would certainly be able to afford the centre as opposed to the mean-spirited council."

The fight to keep the centre is being led by Liberal Democrat borough councillor Olive Woodall, who said many people were unaware of the impending closure.

Councillor Bob Lacey, deputy leader of the council, said he felt the campaign was a political one ahead of next month's elections.

He said: "It was set up with a view to making a £15,000 profit. In fact, it has made a £15,000 loss, meaning a total loss of £30,000.

"If anyone wanted to approach the council with a view to running the centre, I am sure our officers would look very closely at that."