Protestors gathered outside Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, Hampshire, on Friday to rally against its plans to axe Easter celebrations in the name of "inclusivity". It came after headteacher Stephanie Mander circulated a letter to parents stating the school's Easter Bonnet Parade and Easter Service had been cancelled this year.

She justified the decision by expressing her goal of creating "a more inclusive atmosphere that honours and respects the beliefs of all our children and their families" at the establishment, which has no religious affiliation. Norwood has since clarified that Easter will still be observed in lessons and themed craft activities. But the 50 Christian demonstrators who reportedly gathered outside the mixed primary this week insisted that Ms Mander was trying to "tick a diversity box" and "erase Christianity". The group of protestors hailed from the Living Word Church in Fareham, according to The Telegraph, and held England flags with messages including "Jesus: the way the truth the life" and "Jesus is kin" printed on them.

UKIP leader Nick Tenconi, who was among the attendees, said: "We are saying that Christianity is being put to the side so that headteachers can tick a diversity box to receive more money."

Parents with children at Norwood also staged a counter-protest at the school gates in solidarity with the headteacher.

"None of those people have children at this school," one parent said. "I am just so upset that the children are being taught hate. It is so unnecessary."

Another parent who didn't want to be named added: "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," they added.

The anonymous parent added that part of the reason for the bonnet parade being scrapped was because low-income households couldn't afford the costs of making one.

However Marie Pigney, a grandmother from Titchfield who was among the Christian demonstrators, said she had been driven to action after becoming "fed up of [Christians] being pushed out and called names".

"When I was in school, Christianity was very much a part of it," she said. "I and many others believe that a foundation in Christianity is really good for children and society."

Her fellow protestor Rob Owen added: "We are here to maintain that [Easter] is part of our culture and traditions and needs to be maintained. We are here to support Christianity and its traditional celebration."

The demonstration ended peacefully before the end of the school day, at around 3:15pm.

In the original letter, Miss Mander said she "understood the change may be disappointing for some, especially those who have cherished these traditions over the years".

"However, we believe that this decision aligns with our values of inclusivity and respect for diversity," she added. "We are exploring alternative ways to celebrate the season in future years, that will be inclusive of all children and reflect the rich cultural diversity of our community."

Norwood Primary School has been contacted for comment.