At 2.30pm today outside St Gregory's and Wyndford primary schools in the Maryhill area of Glasgow, parents, children and supporters of the ‘Save our Schools’ campaign gathered to release hundreds of balloons as the schools finished for the Easter break.

The balloons symbolise the campaigners' hope that the two schools, both earmarked for closure under proposals from Glasgow City Council, can still be saved from the axe when the council takes its final vote later this month. They were supported by SNP MSP for Glasgow Bob Doris who attended to show his solidarity with the protesters.

As the balloons were being released Mr Doris was handed a piece of paper which read: "This is a statement from Wyndford and St Gregory's parents to say that we are now occupying both schools on a vigil as part of our ongoing protest against school closures."

Mr Doris read out the statement to a chorus of cheers from supporters. Many present pledged to join and support them over the Easter break.

Of the vigil, Bob Doris said: "These parents feel they have been driven to action to protect their community. Candles are lit at both schools to symbolise the hope the community has that their schools will be saved. I know several of the parents well and they want what is best for their children. Parents will not have taken the decision to occupy both schools lightly.

"My hope is that the candle lit vigil over Easter will focus the minds of councillors in the ruling Labour administration and they will look seriously at the compelling case to stop the schools closing. Saving these schools would not be a defeat for the council - it would be a victory for the community and for local democracy. It would demonstrate that all our city's councillors have listened to the voters who elected them. I send the parents taking part in this vigil my solidarity and my support."