PARENTS and children from Newport's smallest school vented their fury on the doorstep of Archdiocese House in Cardiff yesterday. Jon Doel followed the protesters as they battle to save their Roman Catholic primary from closure this summer.

Two weeks ago, these children were gripped by despair after the devastating threat of school closure became a reality.

Yesterday, that desperation turned to grim determination as pupils, parents and governors at St David Lewis RC Primary vowed to carry on fighting to save the school they love.

More than 20 campaigners, young and old, chanted passionately and waved placards outside Cardiff's Archdiocese House, pleading with leaders of the catholic church to consider a reprieve.

The Archbishop of Cardiff, the Most Reverend Peter Smith, was unavailable to meet the campaigners, leaving the Vicar General, Canon Robert Reardon, to face the angry crowd.

Canon Reardon was handed letters of protest from parents and pupils before the emotional crowd told of the heartbreak their children had experienced since Assembly education minister Jane Davidson's decision to back proposals by the Roman Catholic Diocesan Commission to close St David Lewis a fortnight ago.

Many children wept uncontrollably outside the school gates just minutes after hearing there would be no future.

Mother Sian Knight, whose son Connor,7, attends the school, told Canon Reardon yesterday: "It's not about numbers - it's about the kids.

"The reason we are here today is because we care so passionately about our school. You should thank us for having such passion in your school, not ditch us and throw us to the curb."

Parent Patricia Grace added: "We have fought for two years to keep this school open and we are not going to stop now. I'll lock myself to the gates; I will do what I have to."

Canon Reardon told the protesters: "I've listened to everything you have said and I understand it is a decision that has great effects on you. It is a very difficult decision to make."

Assembly education minister Jane Davidson said the school was not viable financially and educationally.

The Roman Catholic Diocesan Commission says the closure is in the best interests of the pupils, of whom there are just 63 at St David Lewis. It hopes to be able to house all the pupils at an extended St Mary's RC Primary on Queens Hill, Stow Hill, if they wish.

* Parents will be given the chance to meet the headteachers of all the other catholic schools in Newport next week to discuss their childrens' futures.