PARENTS and children turned out in force over the closure of a village school.

A protest was held outside Rodmell CE Primary School before a public meeting on Tuesday evening.

About 70 parents, governors and villagers along with teachers made their voices heard.

There is a public consultation over the small rural school, which East Sussex County Council is looking to close because of a shortage of pupils.

Rob Webber, a father of two children at Rodmell, said: "I went to the school when I was a kid and it is great.

"It's a really nurturing environment and our kids have done really well there."

More than 5,000 people have signed a petition against the closure of the school, which was rated good by Ofsted four months before the proposal.

Mr Webber added: "Many other schools in the area are already over-subscribed. It seems like a bit of a forgone conclusion."

Another meeting took place last night (May 4) at Pells CE Primary School in Lewes, which is also affected.