MORE than 100 sixth formers today marched through the streets of a Kent town in protest at plans to shut their school.

The students, all pupils at Chapter School, Strood, wanted to show the strength of feeling against proposals to merge it with neigbouring Temple School.

Medway Council promised to listen to their concerns and make its decision based on pupils' best interests.

The students made their way to the Civic Centre, Strood,led by a horse called Lottie by Lottie owned by 17-year old pupil Kerry Martin.

Once at the council offices more than 800 colourful cardboard socks to officials.

The protest was held in support of a new campaign Save Our Chapter Kids (SOCK) launched by concerned students, parents and staff.

Head teacher Sue Dore, has praised their actions. She said: "We are very proud that the Sixth Form feel so positively and committed to our school and the ethos of the Chapter family that they have organised this march to the Civic Centre to demonstrate their strength of feeling."

In a statement a Medway Council spokesman, said: "We are holding a wide-ranging consultation on the future of secondary education in Strood, involving young people, parents, staff and the community, until December 17.

"As part of this consultation we are listening carefully to the views of students at both Temple and Chapter schools to find out what they like about their schools now and what their aspirations are for the future. We take their views very seriously.

"We are attending Chapter School’s young peoples’ council later this week and we are happy to attend any further meetings with the students that they would like to invite us to.

"The decision to consult on merging the two schools has been taken to address the fact that the number of secondary school-aged children is falling and the need to ensure all young people in Strood have access to a good education.

"The vision is to replace Chapter and Temple schools with a new academy with a brand new building and much improved facilities, providing a wider range of academic and vocational courses.

"There would also be enhanced sporting and IT facilities.

"Academies are funded directly by the government and through sponsorship and are recognised as currently the only realistic route to getting a brand new school."

* See Friday's Medway Messenger for pictures and full report