AN 'SOS' campaign to save a closure-threatened Gwent comprehensive is due to begin this week.

The Save Oakdale School campaign is being launched at a special meeting for parents of pupils tomorrow evening.

Caerphilly council is considering proposals to close the secondary school in 2007 because of falling pupil numbers in the area.

Many parents have already criticised the closure plans, while some have started petitions.

Oakdale councillor and school governor Allan Pritchard has said the school must be saved.

"We had a meeting of all the governors last week and we vowed to fight this to the bitter end," he said yesterday.

He added a large turnout is expected at tomorrow's meeting, which starts at 7pm, and will be chaired by Eirlys Jones, chairman of the governors. And he revealed he has been "bombarded" with letters, l from front page telephone calls and e-mails from concerned parents and children.

Messages from as far away as Australia have also been posted on the village website by former pupils and residents.

One ex-pupil, now living in America, said he was "dismayed" to read of the news, and asked if any online petitions were being set up.

And a former Oakdale resident Catherine Waite, now living in Australia, said it was "appalling" the school was being considered for closure. "Good luck with your quest to keep the school open," she said. "Please show my support at the meeting.

"If you are developing a village and encouraging families there you must provide a decent service within the village."

South Wales East AM Jocelyn Davies, a former lay inspector of schools who lives in Newbridge, told the Argus she was surprised at the plans. "The staff there are so committed, turning the school around - I thought it was a school going places," she said.

"I know how much the area is developing in terms of housing and businesses - if this school goes, it won't be long before there are calls to open another school there." A consultation period will continue until October half-term.