WALES and Cardiff City football star Danny Gabbidon today sends a message to Torfaen councillors: "Don't close my old school".

The Cwmbran-born international has backed parents fighting against the proposed closure of the town's Brookfield Primary school.

The 25-year-old defender was brought up in Southville, Cwmbran, and was a pupil at Brookfield from 1984 to 1990.

Brookfield is one of three schools earmarked for closure by Torfaen council to combat a surplus of places in the primary sector.

A special meeting was being held on the issue today after nine councillors challenged the proposals.

Danny said: "I was shocked when I heard about the planned closure in the Argus. My family still live in Cwmbran and when I visit I drive past the school, which brings back a lot of memories.

"I see the old goalposts and they are the same ones from when I went there."

Danny told the Argus that he developed a love of football as a pupil at Brookfield, and was captain of the school team.

"That is when I first started playing football," he said.

"I used to captain the football and cricket teams. The head Mr Baldwin used to take us for PE and I got on well with him."

Graham Baldwin taught at Brookfield for 20 years before retiring in 1991. He died three years ago.

"Mr Baldwin was a good influence," said Danny.

"He helped me along with playing football."

Danny also praised his former English teacher Mary Dewdney, who retired five years ago.

He said he enjoyed his time at Brookfield and would be sad to see it close.