SUPPORTERS of a threatened Hampshire arts centre turned out in force to show their backing for the venue.

The county council wants to transfer The Tower venue to Kings' School because the revamped library there - to be called the Discovery centre - will make it redundant.

But local people have reacted angrily to the threat and some 60 people protested outside the centre ahead of a sell-out show by Queen on Fire.

Protesters included Winchester MP Mark Oaten and his wife Belinda, who attends a class at the centre.

An e-petition has been set up and attracted more than 300 signatures, including the names of well-known performers such as Gordon Giltrap, Dave Swarbrick and Benjamin Zephaniah.

Campaigners say the transfer to Kings' would herald the end of a unique venue, which was built as a water tower in 1928.

Well-known performers who have appeared there include Eddie Izzard, Jo Brand, Al Murray, Omid Djalili and The Mighty Boosh.

The county council has told centre director John Tellett not to book any acts for 2008.