Villagers are expected to turn out in force at a public meeting tonight in a bid to save their Shropshire school from closure – after more than 1,000 people signed a petition supporting the campaign.

The signatures have been collected by the Living Lydbury campaign group, which is fighting for the future of Lydbury North Primary School.

More than 100 people are expected to attend a meeting at Lydbury North Village Hall tonight which is part of the official public consultation being held by Shropshire Council over plans to close eight primary schools and the Wakeman secondary in Shrewsbury.

A samba band will lead a protest march from the primary school to the village hall before the meeting, with village groups designing their own flags and banners to show support for the school.

Matt Williams, spokesman for the Living Lydbury group, said: “We are expecting a packed village hall – definitely well over 100 people will be there.

“We have collected more than 1,000 signatures on petitions. We will continue to collect signatures tonight and will be on hand to talk to anyone who wants to get involved, and flyers have also gone around the village urging people to come.

“This has involved the whole community which has been really pleasing.”

The meeting starts at 6.30pm and the protest march will start from the primary school at 6.10pm.

l The Shropshire Star will be tweeting from tonight’s meeting. Follow us at www.shropshirestar.com