MUMS staged a twilight vigil in protest to the temporary closure of the Harwich maternity unit.

Midwives from the unit have been moved to Colchester General Hospital until June because staff there are unable to cope with the number of births.

However, campaigners in Harwich and Clacton, where the unit has also been temporarily closed, are fighting the move.

And they say there are concerned it will become permanent.

On Friday night, about 50 protesters gathered outside the Fryatt Hospital in Dovercourt to demonstrate against the closure.

One of the organisers Jenny Semple said: "We stood outside the hospital with banners and candles and sang lullabies.

"The suppport we had from the public was fantastic.

"Everyone driving past was beeping their horns in support."