More than 1,000 people have pledged their support to campaigns to save Maryport's cottage hospital.

Campaigners have set up a Facebook page to raise awareness of the threat to beds.

The Success Regime – a Government-appointed body set up to tackle spiralling problems within the local NHS – has published initial options for the future of health services in north Cumbria.

Although not formal proposals at this stage, they include closing some or all of the area’s community hospital beds.

It could see Maryport's hospital become a community hub, offering clinics and services, but not medical beds.

With public meetings this week and next, campaigners are beginning to rally local supporters into action.

The SAVE Maryport Cottage Hospital Facebook page has attracted more than 1,100 likes.

Cash-strapped health bosses argue that problems staffing nine small hospital units across north Cumbria is proving tough due to recruitment problems.

As a result about 15 of the area's 127 community beds have been closed since Christmas.

They say that centralising beds at bigger sites - like Cockermouth, Penrith, Workington and potentially a new unit at Carlisle’s Carleton Clinic - would make them easier to staff. More care would also be provided in people’s own homes.

However the area's joint league of friends does not believe that losing beds from any of the hospitals is a viable option, due to the the wider impact it would have on the communities they serve.

The league of friends are urging people to give feedback direct to the Success Regime.