A petition to save the beloved Stubbington Study Centre has hit 13,000 signatures in just two weeks.

Headteachers and parents have banded together to save the Fareham facility that has educated children for the last 90 years and caters to more than 6,500 people annually. 

It comes after Hampshire County Council announced plans to shut the centre as it tries to meet the increasing need for residential care for vulnerable children. 

Southampton Children's Mayor Freya Orendecki has joined the fight to save Stubbington, calling the proposals 'devastating'.

In a letter penned to the council, she described her own experiences as something she will 'never forget'.

READ MORE: Headteacher slams plans to close Stubbington Study Centre

"I was lucky enough to go to the Stubbington Study Centre when I was in Year 5," said Freya, "the experience was something I will never forget because it was so much fun and I got to learn about all things connected to wildlife through positive activities and playing games.

"Stubbington is a cheerful and enjoyable place to learn, and the food was amazing.

"Stubbington Study Centre is a place for young children like me to have amazing opportunities to study wildlife and see live animals at night when they are super cool to look at."

Three former county council inspectors with 40-plus years of experience combined have also written a letter to the Hampshire authority.

READ MORE: Outcry over plans to close beloved activity centre

Dane Oliver, Steve Poynton and Dr Stuart Nundy have urged the council to consider all alternative options before closing Stubbington, explaining that a lot of prior investment would be wasted.

The letter said: "Significant investment in the centre in the past 12 years has radically expanded the opportunities for young people using the centre, providing not only enhanced residential provision but the opportunity for greater day-use and outreach work with schools, further supporting the long-term impact of learning undertaken.

"This investment and associated long-term plan would be lost upon closure."

Hampshire County Council has put forward a list of 100 other sites that schools could visit on trips.

The public consultation remains open until February 10.