IN a last-ditch effort to save the eight beds at the Chase, 47 campaigners picketed outside the community hospital in Bordon this week.

With just 24 hours notice for the the event, held on Tuesday, organiser town council leader Adam Carew was "delighted" with the support.

The protest was seen as the last chance for residents to have their voices heard before the NHS returns to Hampshire County Council's Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee tomorrow, when the South Eastern Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group will present its business case for the future of the hospital.

"This sends a strong message to the primary care trust and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee that we don't want to lose our beds," said Mr Carew.

For full story, see this week's Liphook Herald.