Dozens of campaigners created a wall of protest outside Southampton's Civic Centre this afternoon, in a last ditch bid to save a popular city pool.

Around 60 people gathered outside the venue ahead of a council meeting, where the fate of Oaklands pool will be decided.

People young and old, including pool users, community leaders and union members held placards and chanted "save our pool", alongside rebel councillors.

Coxford councillors, Don Thomas and Keith Morrell, who have backed the campaign, received a round of applause from protestors as they entered the Civic Centre.

The Labour-run council will today make the final decision on whether to withdraw a £235,000 annual subsidy from Oaklands pool next April, and axe 33 jobs.

Cllr Don Thomas, who confirmed he would be voting against the closure, said: "Considering this is the middle of the week and the middle of the day, to get this many poeple along to support the campaign is nothing short of miraculous.

"Unfortunately, I think they will vote to close Oaklands pool today, but that doesn't mean the campaign stops today.

"The campaign, mark two, will start tomorrow and will continue until it's opened again."