Campaigners are battling to save a threatened community hall used by children's playgroups, fitness fans and budding martial arts stars.

A review of churches across Brighton and Hove has recommended the closure of St Leonard's Church Hall in Glebe Villas, Hove.

Regular users of the 89-year-old hall insist it should be saved as a popular community asset and have called a public meeting to protest.

They fear the site would be used for housing, with proceeds going towards upgrading the south aisle of nearby St Leonard's Church in New Church Road.

The closure call was made by the review group set up to consider the future of all Church property in the city.

Several churches have been earmarked for closure on financial grounds, including St Philip's Church, also in New Church Road.

Eileen Odom, a member of the parochial church council and lettings secretary for the hall, said the hall was convenient and was being renovated.

She said: "The hall is well used by the church and many other groups for children, adults and many retired people.

"It is on level ground and local buses stop at the top and bottom of Glebe Villas.

"In this area, the council has not provided any sports halls or community facilities. St Leonard's Church Hall fills that need.

"If or when St Philip's Church is closed, another hall used by many groups will also go."

Ms Odom said the hall was expected to generate annual profits of £10,000 if it stayed open when scheduled refurbishment was finished next year.

She added: "I feel a second look should be taken at the church hall and who benefits from it because it is looked on as the centre for activities."

Among the uses of the hall are pilates, drama, horticultural sales, a playgroup and meetings of Guides and Brownies.

Tony Hall uses the hall four times a week to run martial arts sessions for youngsters aged between six and 16.

He said: "The hall should stay. It is of great service to the community.

"It is very popular with the children and is our main base. It is very important to us."

The open meeting will be held at St Leonard's Church on Thursday next week at 8pm.