Demonstrators took to the streets in Eastbourne in protest against possible downgrading of hospital services at the town's District General Hospital or at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings.

At a rally staged after a march from the pier to the town hall, those taking part expressed no confidence in health bosses if maternity services were removed from either East Sussex Hospital.

The march comes amid an imminent decision by health bosses at East Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust (PCT) on the DGH and Conquest hospital's future, which is expected next month.

Liz Walke, chairman of Save the DGH, said, "This gives us a mandate to send to the health bosses to say we will not accept the loss of any of our core hospital services."

Her Hastings counterpart, Margaret Williams, chairman of Hands off the Conquest, attended the march and said, "Both Hastings and Eastbourne stand together and both of us have been through thick and thin.

"The PCT would love to split us apart and have each town fighting each other to save their hospital."

Watch a video report from the march and rally by clicking on the green play icon.

For full reaction on the march and rally, see the your local Gazette on Wednesday and Eastbourne Herald on Friday.