Head teachers and education leaders from Lincolnshire say proposed cuts to education funding could lead to job losses, larger classes and fewer resources.

The county's director of education is leading a delegation to Downing Street on Friday with a petition calling for a rethink of the proposed cuts.

The county is facing a possible �8m reduction in education funding as the government wants to spend more in the south where costs are higher.

Education director Dr Cheryl Berry said: "We have said: 'Please will you look again at your funding models, we do not think the funding is fair.'"

Speed of light

"Lincolnshire cannot survive with cuts like this," she said.

A petition sent around the county schools, and signed by teachers, classroom assistants and parents, is being handed to 10 Downing Street on Friday afternoon.

Dr Berry said:"We had to move with the speed of light to get into schools and pulled all the stops out to get as many signatures as we could.

"I have been overwhelmed by the feeling and it is positive."

Dr Berry said the petition was the only way to make the county's voice heard.

She said:"We represent the pupils who are the future of Lincolnshire."

"Our county council is joining with other counties in protesting because there will be cuts in areas like social services and police."