Supporters of a community hospital threatened with closure as part of a health services shake-up have revealed thousands of pounds of public money have been donated to keep it running.

At least £190,000 has been raised in legacies and donations in the last 20 years to support the hospital in Wantage.

The chairman of the Hospital League of Friends, Colin Wilkins, said no fundraising was needed as the money just kept coming in.

"This demonstrates just how important the hospital is to the community," said Mr Wilkins.

"Most of the money which is given to the hospital is from legacies and donations people have made because they have valued the care and the service they have received."

The League of Friends has spent money, in consultation with senior hospital staff, redecorating, furnishing and providing beds and equipment over the years.

The hospital could close under proposals suggested by the South West and South East Oxfordshire Primary Care trusts and Oxfordshire Social Services.

If the 24-bed hospital does close it could be replaced with a community support unit, with day care for elderly people and some outpatient clinics.

Health union representatives have appealed for nursing staff to apply for jobs at Wantage Hospital to keep the staff at full strength.

Joy Whatley, from the Royal College of Nursing, said staff have unanimously voted to give up their nursing station so it can be used as a ward.

"We are committed to maintaining the hospital and returning all wards to maximum occupancy," she said.