More than 2,650 people signed a petition in support of the Patrick Stead Hospital at Halesworth.

David Thomas and Anne Fleming, part of the team behind the petition, were pleased to present it to Andy Evans, chief executive of HealthEast on behalf of the people of Halesworth and surrounding villages.

The petition was organised following the closure of overnight wards at the hopital during the winter months but, as reported earlier, health officials have said they will re-open on March 2.

Mrs Fleming said: 'After the presentation, Mr Evans thanked us for coming and said how useful it was that the voices of the people could be heard.

'He also gave us assurances that Patrick Stead Hospital would stay open until such time as a new facility was provided. Mr Evans confirmed that the overnight beds would be re-opening on March 2, as originally planned.

'We asked questions about the recruitment of staff and Mr Evans admitted there had been problems when vacancies were advertised. Vacancies were usually advertised after the vacancy occurred but Mr Evans assured us that this was now changing.'

There will be a public consultation to review the health service in Waveney laster this year and Mr Evans hoped the public will participate fully in this.

One of the last people to sign the petition was 87-year-old Maurice Newson.

Mr Newson, a veteran of the Second World War, has recently spent time in the James Paget University Hospital at Gorleston.

He heard about the petition but was too unwell to come to Halesworth Thoroughfare but Mr Thomastook it to Maurice's home so that he could sign and show how important Patrick Stead Hospital is to him and Halesworth. Mr Newson is the membership secretary of the Royal British Legion, Halesworth and District branch.