WE shall overcome! That was the rallying cry to campaigners fighting to save York Minster library.

Carrying banners they arrived at the cathedral on Saturday for a "Get well soon" march, and placed cards and flowers outside the library.

A decision on its future was being announced later today by the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope. He was recently presented with a petition signed by more than 2,300 people and a letter asking him to "convey their concerns" about the proposed closure to the Dean and Chapter.

Campaigner Christopher Norton, a University of York lecturer, told the crowd: "The closure of the library is financially irresponsible, morally unacceptable and it's illegal.

"I've no doubt it will survive."

Updated: 11:16 Monday, June 23, 2003