NEWPORT dancers took to the stage in support of their local leisure centre.

On Sunday, more than 25 pupils from Langstone-based Jessie's Fun Dance School put on a concert in defiance of Newport council bosses who want to close Underwood leisure centre.

Residents are fighting for the future of the centre after the city council raised doubts about its viability.

But dance teacher Jessica Whatmore, 17, told the Argus the centre was an invaluable community asset.

The dance school has met at Langstone Village Hall for three years but uses Underwood leisure centre for its shows.

She said: "Its hall is just the right size to put on our shows for parents, which the children love doing.

"I used to take gymnastic classes here when I was younger. It's a great central point for the community to get together and would really be missed. We wanted to show how important it is."

Pupils at Llanmartin Primary School have already made posters calling for the centre to be kept open, while more than 150 people attended a public meeting two weeks ago as part of the battle to secure its future.

The council has said the building needs urgent electrical and repair work that could cost about £1 million and closing it would save around £140,000 a year.