A mass rally is being held in the latest round in the fight to save hospital services.

Hundreds of people are expected to pack the centre of Chichester on Saturday for what is believed to be one of the biggest demonstrations the city has seen.

The event has been organised by the Support St Richard's Campaign, which is battling to stop accident and emergency, maternity and paediatric services being lost.

The South East Coast Strategic Health Authority (SHA) is reviewing all hospital services in Sussex to save £100 million.

It could means hospitals in Chichester, Worthing, Eastbourne, Haywards Heath and St Leonards being downgraded and patients travelling further afield for treatment.

It is widely believed that either St Richard's or Worthing Hospital will lose some facilities at the expense of the other but campaigners want full services at all hospitals and do not want a battle between towns.

Campaigns have been set up across the county, with thousands of people signing petitions against any changes.

Almost 40,000 people have already signed the St Richard's petition, with people throughout the city and towns and villages further afield getting involved.

Meetings were held in Midhurst and Bognor last week, with more than 1,200 people taking part in a march in Bognor.

Organisers of this weekend's rally are expecting a large turn-out again.

A spokesman said: "We intend to protect our hospital. People should not have to travel miles for emergency treatment. They should have it available close by.

"We have all these new homes being planned for Sussex and we need the hospital facilities to sustain them."

MPs have got involved, with Chichester MP Andrew Tyrie joining Saturday's rally.

Worthing MPs Peter Bottomley and Tim Loughton and Arundel and South Downs MPs have also been involved in campaigns, while Lewes MP Norman Baker met bosses at East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust yesterday to raise people's concerns.

The SHA says no decision has been made.

People will meet at Oaklands Park and East Pallant House car parks at 9.30am before marching to the Market Cross and on to the cathedral green for a rally from 10am.