MEMBERS of a regional group which campaigns to keep the NHS free to all at the point of need took to the streets of Hexham on Saturday.

Representatives of Keep Our NHS Public North East, which was formed 10 years ago, spoke to shoppers and local people about their hopes of keeping the NHS publicly funded, publicly provided and publicly accountable.

“Many people we spoke to expressed a huge sense of vulnerability about the closure of the A&E at Hexham General and the current overnight closure of the urgent care centre,” said John Whalley, regional co-ordinator.