Marchers defend cottage hospitals

Hundreds of people joined a walk in a "good humoured" bid to safeguard the future of cottage hospitals in Cumbria.

Demonstrators waving placards joined up with an annual Boxing Day walk from Keswick's market square.

One of the organisers of the protest said that the atmosphere during the walk was wonderful.

Health bosses are considering the closure of up to six cottage hospitals at Brampton, Keswick, Millom, Maryport, Cockermouth and Alston.

A draft document outlining the closure plans was due to go to public consultation for three months in December, but has now been delayed until the New Year.

The government has said that no decision will be made without a full public consultation.

Dr Morris Hamilton, a member of Keswick Cottage Hospital's League of Friends, said: "The police tell me there were about 800 to 1,000 people.

"They were good humoured, waving banners, chanting and laughing. It was an absolutely wonderful atmosphere."