Campaigners fighting to save a town's only Catholic school have said they are 'absolutely delighted' after about 300 supporters took part in a protest march.

The march involved parents, children, friends and supporters, including two priests, of St Joseph's Primary School in Milngavie, which East Dunbartonshire Council is considering merging with St Andrew's Primary in Bearsden and moving to a new building costing almost £9million.

Pink and turquoise balloons were released during Saturday's event which ended in the town centre, in memory of campaigner, Angela Nicol, who has died from cancer.

However, Laureen McIntyre, chair of the Parent Council said: "We are absolutely delighted with the fantastic support that St Joseph's has received from every part of the Milngavie community."

She said a consultation had shown it would have a 'disproportionate impact' on the community, adding: "The turnout for Saturday's protest shows that we are not going to stand for it.

"There is not even a financial argument for closing St Joseph's, and taking away a vital community resource, as the capital repayment costs of a new building in Bearsden would be greater than any revenue savings."

Gordon Currie, Director of Education and Children's Services at East Dunbartonshire Council said the council was "widely recognised" for both its investment and support of religious education in Catholic schools and it remained committed to high quality. denominational education.

He added: "No final decision has been taken but, if approved, this proposal to build a £8.97m new school would clearly demonstrate the Council's continuing commitment to Catholic education." He said that closure has not been arrived at 'lightly'.