MORE than 150 supporters braved the rain and cold to stage a march in protest at the proposed closure of Newport's smallest school.

Parents, children, teachers and governors from St David Lewis Roman Catholic School in Bettws went on the walk to demonstrate against the decision.

Chairman of the school's action group Michael Ryan said the turnout proved how strongly parents and children feel about keeping the school open.

He said: "The support is absolutely brilliant and everyone is very enthusiastic.

"The message is clear - it is all about people power, and to show that we are in total opposition to the closure and we are supporting the groups on the west side of Newport in opposition to amalgamation of Monnow School and Millbrook."

The Roman Catholic Diocesan Commission announced the planned closure of St David Lewis Roman Catholic Primary School for September 1, 2006.

Newport city council is reviewing schools in a bid to tackle falling numbers.

The school has 87 pupils aged between four and 11, but parents say the family atmosphere is a positive for their children's education. Patricia Grace went to the school and now her daughter Shannon, seven, attends.

She said: "I'm doing this to save the school, it is like a family to the children.

"It's so small it's like one big family." The crowd walked from the school to the city's Wave sculpture, displaying banners and balloons saying they will fight the decision all the way. Julie Szafnaubr has three children at the school.

She said: "We are all so close. We won't be moved." Philomena Dineen has four children. Two are currently at the school, aged ten and eight.

"I went to the school myself with my seven brothers and sisters. My children are the second generation of Dineens to go to the school and there should be a third and fourth generation.

"St Mary's is already overcrowded. There's 40-odd children to a class there. We don't want that for our children, we don't want our children going into that. We have more to offer. We have green areas, we do lots of nature walks and things like that."

Pupil Andrew Davies, ten, said: "It would be very sad if my school was closing because I have lots of