HUNDREDS of people have yet again shown their feelings about the downgrading of the Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

They flocked to Dane John Gardens on Saturday with whistles, drums and banners to join a protest march organised by Concern for Health in East Kent (CHEK).

A CHEK march at the same time last year attracted 15,000 people, making it the biggest ever seen in the city.

Although last weekend's was not quite on that scale, police estimate about 1,500 people were gathered in the gardens, with many shoppers joining in as the crowds moved through the centre chanting "Save the K and C".

Ken Rogers, vice-chairman of CHEK, said: "It shows CHEK and the hospital still have the confidence of the people of Canterbury and want us to go forward with our objections to the downgrading. We are determined to save the K and C."

Mr Rogers and CHEK chairman David Shortt led the march, alongside Lord Mayor Cllr Mary Jeffries. She said: "I feel passionately about saving the hospital, and am amazed by the number of people who came along."

Many other councillors joined the march, including deputy leader Cllr Nick Eden Green.

He said: "I think it's brilliant that five years on, people are still prepared to turn out in their hundreds, probably thousands to support the hospital. No other campaign anywhere in the country can command that sort of support.

Canterbury MP Julian Brazier said: "This is a battle which is going to go on and on and on until we win."