Supporters of the NHS gathered in North Walsham today to voice their fears about privatisation.

The rally followed a door-step campaign in North Walsham and Cromer by national body The People's NHS.

They collected 1,122 signatures on a petition and 885 signed letters which they have handed in to North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb's office.

About two dozen people held placards and banners and chanted in Market Place, busy with market day shoppers.

They were drawing attention to trade negotiations under way between the European Union and the USA.

Protesters fear the deal could lead to American insurance companies buying chunks of the health service and running them as commercial ventures.

They are also worried that any sell-offs could be irreversible, with American multi-national organisations suing if attempts were made to bring NHS services back into private ownership.

The People's NHS is calling on Prime Minister David Cameron to use his veto to exclude the NHS from the treaty.

Among North Walsham residents joining the rally was Dot Finch, 67, of Park Avenue.

'I don't really understand what's happening but I want to hang on to our NHS,' said Mrs Finch.

'Well-off people are paying to go private but poorer people need it. I want the NHS to be there for my grandchildren. It doesn't look like a very good future for them,' she added.