A record-breaking attempt at pyjama wearing is being staged in protest against plans to shake up the health service in north and west Cumbria.

The bid is being organised by supporters of the Maryport cottage hospital.

The community hospital could see its overnight bed facility axed as part of a major reorganisation of services.

It has been at the centre of a campaign of support by local residents opposing the plans drawn up by the Success Regime.

Around 2,000 people are expected to take part in the record attempt, with children from six infant and junior schools in the town invited.

The event is the idea of Ann-Marie Steel, director of the Ewanrigg Local Trust.

She explained: “We wanted to do something to support the hospital and thought of pyjamas because it links into the issue of saving the beds.

“The aim is to support the county-wide opposition to the planned cuts in services, not just those planned for Maryport.”

Officials at the Guinness Book of World Records have given the go-ahead for the pyjama-wearing record bid to take place on December 9.

The Victoria cottage hospital will also be a special feature of this year’s Christmas lights decorations.

There will be more lights than ever around Maryport this year and as part of this year’s celebrations, the town council has agreed to include a special display and tree at the hospital.

Town mayor Linda Radcliffe explained: “We decided to put the lights display around the hospital because of the trauma felt by the community that they could lose something beloved to them.”

She also revealed that hospital campaigners are looking at the possibility of converting the hospital into an integrated care community (ICC).

Mrs Radcliffe said: “We want to convert the hospital into an ICC so we can keep the services we have got.

“It would group together health professionals and every type of health service and volunteer organisation.

“It would be like a one-stop shop for everyone.

“It is early days yet, but the NHS is fond of ICCs, and hopefully we will be able to meet the financial and regulation standards necessary.”

Maryport’s Christmas lights will be switched on at 5pm on November 26 by the mayor, helped by Lillie-Mai Jackson and two-year-old Jack Edgar.

Jack is suffering from leukaemia and Mrs Radcliffe has chosen his appeal as her charity for the year.

The switch-on will follow an afternoon of family fun and entertainment at the top of Senhouse Street, organised by the town council. Among the fun will be face painting, glitter tattoos and nail and hair decorating in the Town Hall, all free of charge.

There will also be free hot drinks, followed later in the day by mulled wine and mince pies, also free on a first come, first served basis.

Stage performances by local schools and organisations will be headlined by local rhythm and blues group, The Misfitz.

There will also be fairground rides on the upper part of Senhouse Street.

Allerdale Borough Council is also arranging for a continental market to be staged on the day.

This will take place on the lower part of Senhouse Street.

As ever, Father Christmas will be dropping by and will meet children in his grotto in the Labour Club and hand out early presents.