Parents with pupils at a school for profoundly disabled children took their campaign for more secondary placements to Chatham High Street at the weekend.

And they received overwhelming support from shoppers who were shocked to hear that some children may be forced to travel hundreds of miles to complete their education.

The situation has occurred because Medway Council has run out of money to fund the project at Abbey Court in Strood.

It had been intended to move both the lower and higher school on to a single site in Cliffe Road, but while the newly-built primary is up-and-running,plans to relocate the secondary are on hold because a lack of funding.

Campaigners have accused Medway Council of going back on the multi-million scheme which has full planning permission.

So far they have collected at least 2,217 online signatures and the paper petition, due to be sent to the council, led to up to another 500 backing their Build Our Secondary School campaign.

The lack of space at the existing premises mean that only a fraction of the full intake on primary school leavers can be accommodated next September.

This will mean the council will have to meet travel costs and possible boarding fees to other schools outside of Kent.

It is being led by mum Samantha De Vere, whose daughter, Millie aged seven has been at the school since she was three.

Miss De Vere from Lordswood, said: " Most people were appalled.Those that did not know about what might happen at first thought we were after money, but all wanted was a couple minutes of their time to explain.

"This would not happen if she was a normal, healthy little girl. Most parents get a choice of where their child goes to school. We don't."

The campaign is being backed by the council's Labour group.

The ruling Conservatives said a review of special education needs across Medway was currently under way. Cllr Andrew Mackness, who is charge of children's services, said: "There is currently no evidence to suggest there is a shortage of secondary places at Abbey Court and therefore it is not a priority to seek additional funding to build secondary facilities at the school at this time."