CAMPAIGNERS gathered outside Darlington Memorial Hospital calling on the NHS to retain vital services for residents.

A wide ranging review of hospital services across the region has led to concerns that 24-hour accident and emergency, paediatric and maternity services could be axed at the hospital.

The town's Labour MP Jenny Chapman was among the 50-strong group of protesters calling on NHS County Durham, Darlington and the Tees Valley to keep the vital departments open.

"We are determined to get our message out loud and clear," she said. "People are really disappointed that the consultation process has been put back to June, it just leaves everyone uncertain about what is happening. We want these services to stay in Darlington."

Linking arms outside the main entrance to the hospital the banner-waving campaigners chanted their support for the hospital and staff.

Peter Plant, who has lived in the town for more than 35 years, believes the changes would have a devastating impact on the town's residents as well as people from further afield who will be forced to travel to Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital to access A&E and maternity services.

He said: "I was on the march last week and when we stopped to talk to people in Northallerton and Richmond they were really worried about having to travel further to get treatment – we need to save these services in Darlington for everyone.

"Everyone knows how difficult it is to get parked at James Cook hospital so how is it going to be able to cope with thousands of more people turning up for treatment."