EMOTIONS ran high as parents were told of the decision. At Ponthir, they vowed to keep fighting "all the way to the end".

Sue Sheppard, of the Ponthir Action Group, said parents were disappointed but not disheartened.

"Although the news was expected it's by no means the end of the fight. "This community is rock solid and the decision still rests with the Welsh Assembly and we are confident they will throw out the proposal."

Lesley Jones, whose son Joshua, 10, is a pupil, said: "This school is at the heart of the community. It has the best SATs results in Torfaen and has excellent extracurricular activities and education standards."

Melanie Brewer said: "At the moment I can walk my daughter to school and home. If this school closes we will have to find transportation.

"Either the car which adds to environmental problems, or the bus, which only comes once an hour - it would mean two-hours extra added to the journey."

At Pentwyn, parents were equally disappointed with one saying everyone felt "gutted".

Julie Parfitt, 33, and her husband Paul, 37, have fought with many other parents for the school.

Mrs Parfitt said: "We've attended every meeting and this news is upsetting.

"Pentwyn is a lovely school, our daughter Kiah, seven, and son Joshua, 3, love it."

Ann-Marie White lived out of the catchment area but after sending her seven-year-old son Jordan to the school, moved to Pentwyn.

"We moved our lives to this area to be nearer the school as it is such a good place for my children to attend.

"When we first heard it might close my son came home crying saying we had to fight the decision. We are gutted."