The campaign against post office closures stepped up a gear at the weekend.

Supporters held the first in a series of protests outside Trafalgar Street post office in Brighton, one of four threatened branches in the city.

More than 2,000 residents have signed petitions calling for the post offices to be kept open.

Up to 49 branches across Sussex could be axed.

Labour parliamentary candidate Nancy Platts led the demonstration on Saturday.

After visiting the four offices under threat, including Preston Road, Ms Platt said: "These proposals are obviously made by people who know nothing about the areas affected.

"In the case of 221 Preston Road, it is suggested that Matlock Road or Preston Drove post offices are suitable alternatives, completely overlooking the fact that there is no direct public transport from that part of Preston Road and that there are steep hills."