Protesters made their feelings known outside the meeting

The county council's schools advisory board has recommended that Ripple School near Dover should be closed down after Christmas.

The education authority said that with only 35 pupils the primary school was not financially viable.

But more than 1,200 objections have been sent to the council opposing the planned closure.

I feel very strongly that it should not close Janet Coombes, Save Ripple School Campaign

The advisory board made the recommendation to the council's cabinet at a meeting at county hall in Maidstone on Thursday.

Protesters gathered outside to show their opposition to the closure plans.

Janet Coombes, from the Save Ripple School Campaign, said: "I have a granddaughter at the school and my son went there.

"I persuaded my daughter to come from Ashford to Deal because the school is so good.

"I feel very strongly that it should not close."

About 1,200 objections were sent to council opposing the closure

But education bosses have said the school is too costly to run and cannot even attract its full quota of 45 pupils.

Ian Craig, from Kent County Council, said: "We would have to invest a lot more money in the school to make it appropriate for these 45 children - it is already difficult for them to get a broad and balanced curriculum.

"We have to ask if the school is at the centre of the community and is the school wanted by the community.

"That is not borne out of the facts - only seven children from the local community go to the school."

Campaigners claim the public consultation has been a sham and they will continue to protest against the closure until the cabinet makes a final decision in May.