Parents were celebrating today after being told their children's schools have been saved from closure.

West Sussex County Council has said it would not close Southgate First and Middle Schools in Crawley following an outcry from mums and dads.

The education authority wanted to open one giant primary school on the site of Southgate West First and Middle schools as part of plans to shake-up local schools.

Instead it will leave the two sites open but make them both all-through primary schools.

Parents rallied to form the Save Our Schools campaign group. A spokesman for SOS said: "When the campaign began there were those who believed it would not be possible to prevent the closures. They were wrong.

"The organisation, publicity, spirit and sheer determination not to give in has shown people's voices can still be heard and that nothing should ever be taken for granted. You really can make a difference."

More than 300 parents attended a meeting protesting against the proposed closure in Feburary.

Many did not want their children to attend the planned 700-pupil school because they felt it would damage youngsters' education.

It would have meant pupils as young as four having to travel from Southgate to Southgate West First and Middle.

Southgate councillor Mary Mayne said: "We are overjoyed. As a former teacher I think it is the best solution. It is a reasonable compromise instead of closing one school.

"I am very pleased it is a victory for Crawley."

All other first and middle schools in Crawley will be merged to create all-through primary schools for children from four to 11.

There will also be a new school built in Maidenbower, Thomas Bennett Community College in Tilgate and Ifield Community College will be rebuilt and Hazelwick School in Three Bridges will be remodelled to provide extra places.

If the changes are given the go-ahead they should be in place by 2004.