Tory MPs from Sussex met yesterday to fight what they have called the assault on the NHS in the county.

They believe coming together in support of all hospitals at risk of losing services will make their argument against any cuts much stronger.

Bognor and Littlehampton MP Nick Gibb said: "We need to work together on this to make sure we get the message across.

"We are determined to fight this to the bitter end because what we are hearing from local people is that they want accident and emergency and maternity services close to them and do not want them lost because of the need to save money."

Hospitals in Worthing, Chichester, Haywards Heath, Eastbourne and St Leonards are at risk of losing vital facilities as part of proposals to claw back debts of more than £100 million.

It means patients could face journeys of up to 20 miles for treatment and campaigners warn lives will be put at risk.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in protest against any future cuts.

In the most recent event, people joined hands around both Worthing Hospital and Southlands Hospital in Shoreham in a symbolic act of defiance.

Worthing Mayor Tom Wye, a member of the Keep Worthing and Southlands Hospitals campaign, said plans were now being made for the next major event, a 24-hour candle-lit vigil along the South Coast.

Supporters of the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath are urged to join a protest tomorrow, which will be attended by Dame Vera Lynn and MPs Nicholas Soames, Nick Herbert and Norman Baker.

The march will start at 9.30am at Clair Park in Perrymount Road and will finish with a rally in Victoria Park, South Road.