Sir Neil McKay, chairman of the Success Regime, will visit Maryport next month.

Workington MP Sue Hayman confirmed that he will be in town between 9am and 11am on Tuesday, August 2.

A campaign has already been launched calling for the town to turn out in force for his visit.

Organisers of the Save Our Beds will discuss their strategy at the weekly meeting on Wednesday.

Members said they were grateful to Mrs Hayman for encouraging Sir Neil to visit the town.

"The Success Regime is considering taking the beds out of our hospital without ever seeing how vital it is to this community," said Sharon Barnes, Ewanrigg Local Trust chairwoman.