Campaigners fighting to save Banbury's Horton Hospital know the town is behind them after a massive show of support at a public rally.

At least 5,000 people packed into People's Park yesterday to send a message to NHS officials, who want to cut services at The Horton.

The proposed cutbacks include ending 24-hour children's services, closing the special care baby unit, reducing maternity cover, shutting the obstetric and gynaecology departments, and closing operating theatres.

But a series of speakers including Banbury MP Tony Baldry, South Northants MP Tim Boswell, former Horton consultant Dr Peter Fisher, town mayor John Donaldson, and Cherwell District Council leader Barry Wood, promised further action in the coming weeks to reinforce the opposition to the proposed changes.

The campaign will continue on Thursday, July 6, when health officials are due to visit Banbury for a public consultation meeting in St Mary's Church.