Shepherds Spring Schools campaigners were out in force in Andover Town Centre on Saturday - persuading people to sign a petition to save the schools.

Parent governors, councillors and staff spent the day on a market stall handing out balloons, flags and asking passers-by to sign their petition and consultation booklets.

The campaigners collected over 600 signatures supporting them.

Now they hope it will help to convince the government that the schools should stay open.

The consultation booklet was full of facts and figures about the proposals with a questionnaire for people to put their ideas and suggestions forward.

About 55 of the booklets were handed out - some were taken away while others were filled out and handed back on the day.

"It was brilliant, no-one refused to sign," said Amanda Whittam, organiser of the market petition and parent of a pupil.

For the full story see Friday's Andover Advertiser.