Parents have gathered outside Hove Park School ahead of a crunch meeting that will decide its future.

Hove Park governors will tonight vote for or against a controversial academy conversion.

Their decision will come just hours after a spectacular change of heart from headteacher Derek Trimmer.

The driving force behind the proposed academy conversion sent a letter to teachers and The Argus stating he would urge governors to vote against the plans.

The result is expected at around 8pm this evening.

Speaking just moments ago, Sharon Duggal, of the Hands Off Hove Park group, said she was "nervous" but "hopeful" ahead of the vote.

Speaking outside the Nevill Road campus entrance, She added: "I'M delighted Mr Trimmer has changed his mind. There is no appetite for this academy, the teachers are against it, the parents are against and the community is against it. The best thing for Brighton and Hove is for Hove Park to remain a comprehensive.

"We are hopeful but we will wait until the result is announced."

Liz Ritson, a teacher at the school and NUT uninion representative, added:"I'm really, really pleased with today's news.

"I don't know why it has taken  him so long but I'm just glad he has seen sense.

"We want to move forward now and improve the school.

"The teachers have been fantastic throughout this. They are the backbone of this school."

Robb Johnson, parent, Payne Avenue, said: "The plansto turn into an academy is unacceptable - it's basically backdoor privatisation.

"There's no need for us to turn into an academy- teachers work hard, and the kids learn and are happy.

"It's just a vanity project for those in favour of privatisation.

"The news is full of stories of academies failing and some are full of corruption.

"Becoming an academy would have negative impacts on Brighton and Hove kids from other schools as they will have less resources. Our kids might benefit at others' expense and this is not fair - we want equal education for everybody."