PARENTS fighting to save a Cwmbran primary school are holding a fundraising auction - and once again a famous old boy has turned provider.

Campaigners hoping to defeat council plans to close Brookfield School are confident they can raise more than £1,000, thanks to donated items which include a football signed by Danny Gabbidon and his Cardiff City team-mates.

The adverse financial news surrounding the club may increase interest in the memento considerably, organisers say.

Parent-governor Paul Under-wood was delighted to receive the gift from the Welsh international star, who, as we reported previously, is firmly supporting his old school.

Mr Underwoood said: "It should be a really popular item, and we're very grateful. We've also been promised a rugby ball signed by the whole Newport Gwent Dragons."

A spokesman for the Wales defender said he was "happy to do all he could" to help.

Other items include a programme from the Six Nations England/Wales match, signed by the Welsh team, as well as several DVD players and an electric golf trolley.

The auction takes place at the AFC Club in Old Cwmbran, on Thursday, March 10, at 6.30pm prompt.

Mr Underwood said the campaign to save Brookfield - earmarked for closure by Torfaen council, along with Pentwyn and Ponthir primaries, was winning widespread support.

He added: "We have had a massive response from the community of Southville in Cwmbran, so we're hoping for a big turnout at the consultation meeting on March 15. We've also been liaising with campaigners at Ponthir School, and comparing notes - there's a real feeling of camaraderie."

Education chiefs are due to meet parents for a public consultation at the school on March 15, at 7pm.

Campaigners fighting to save Ponthir Primary are offering people the chance to win tickets to the crunch Six Nations Ireland/Wales game.

Tickets are £5 each. Just send a cheque, payable to Friends of Ponthir School, to Rugby Tickets, Ponthir School, Caerleon Road, Ponthir, NP18 1GZ. Include contact details.

*Campaigners have also released their own CD in a bid to raise funds, with performances by pupils and parents.

The CD is on sale at the school, or shops and pubs displaying the poster, and from Mike Holcombe on 01633 421916.

There is a consultation meeting at Ponthir School on March 17, at 7pm.