HUNDREDS of campaigners from Harwich and Clacton are expected to protest against plans to close maternity units on Saturday.

They are meeting at Dovercourt’s Cliff Park, in Main Road, at 10am before marching to the town’s Fryatt Hospital.

The campaigners are angry about the "temporary" closure of Clacton and Harwich's maternity units. Mums are currently being forced to give birth at home or travel to Colchester because midwives from the coast are covering staff shortages at Colchester Hospital.

Councillors in the district fear the units could be closed permanently.

Residents can pick up their campaign posters at the Gazette's office in Jackson Road, Clacton.