A headteacher at the centre of a controversial decision on Easter has been praised as “amazing” amid a tense standoff outside her school.
More than 50 protestors from The Disciples of Christ, including UKIP leader Nick Tenconi, and others from the Living Word Church, rallied outside of Norwood Primary School to voice their opposition to the headteacher's decision to make changes to the Easter service.
In the initial letter to parents, headteacher Miss Mander said the school would not be holding its Easter Bonnet Parade and Easter Service this year "in the spirit of inclusivity and respect for the diverse religious beliefs represented within our school community".
A subsequent letter from Miss Mander clarified that there would still be Easter celebrations, but they would be held at the school.
One protester carried a placard describing Miss Mander as "the grinch who stole Easter", with "Judas" and horns photoshopped onto her head.
On the other side of the road, directly outside of the school's gate, were parents of children at the school who turned out in support of the headteacher.
One parent, who did not want to be named, said: "At the end of the day, they are still celebrating Easter.
"Miss Mander is an amazing person, she has brought this school out of the gutter.
"Parents have different views, but as a Christian, if they think it's better to celebrate Easter in the school, then so be it."
Iqra from Justice for Victims of UK Grooming Gangs and Siblings of Marsha was acting as a community liaison for the parents during the protest.
She said: "I am just so upset that the children are being taught hate. It is just so unnecessary. None of those people have children at this school."
During the protest, a member of the Christian protest attempted to give Easter egg-themed candy to the parents to be delivered to the children.
Despite the conflict in opinions, the protest was peaceful. Frequently, individuals from both sides would cross the road to converse, and sometimes argue, about the issue.
Christian protester, Rob Owen said: "We are here to maintain that this (Easter) is part of our culture and traditions and needs to be maintained.
"We are here to support Christianity and its traditional celebration."
READ MORE: Protesters and parents face off outside Norwood School - live
Among the Christian protestors is grandmother Marie Pigney from Titchfield. She said: "When I was in school, Christianity was very much a part of it.
"Many others and I believe that a foundation in Christianity is really good for children and society.
"Christians are fed up with being pushed out and being called names."
At a table adorned with Easter eggs, UKIP leader Nick Tenconi made a speech in which he read out Miss Mander's initial letter."
He claimed: "We are saying that Christianity is being put to the side so that head teachers can tick a diversity box to receive more money."
The protest began to wind down at around 3.30pm, having started at 1.30pm.
It comes after the Bishop of Southampton, Rhiannon King, urged calm and for the school to be able to celebrate Easter "in peace".
She told the Echo last week: "We appreciate the challenges faced by our education leaders as they seek to serve families of all faiths and none, and we look forward to supporting the school in the future in facing those challenges.
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