A CAMPAIGN group fighting to save a hospital maternity unit used by Rossendale mums has won backing from councillors.

Fairfield Baby Lifeline Society is fighting to save Fairfield Hospital's Maternity Unit in Bury, including its special care baby unit, and will take to the streets for a protest march.

Placard-waving protest-ers will walk through Bury town centre on Saturday, April 1.

And at a meeting of Bury Council's Rams-bottom and Tottington Area Board, a motion of support from the Ramsbottom board was given after Pam Walker from the campaign group gave a report to councillors detailing their work.

The group will also hold a fundraising dinner on Friday, June 9, at the Village Hotel in Bury.

Tickets for the three course meal, with Bury consultant Dr Kevin Jones as after dinner speaker, are now on sale.

All money raised on the night will help provide care for new born babies.

Under new proposals, Fairfield Hospital will lose its maternity department and special care baby unit with mothers, many travelling from Rossendale, having to travel a further nine miles or more for the nearest hospital with a maternity unit.

Five options are undergoing formal public consultation and the agreed favoured option is to centralise maternity services at eight sites in North Manchester, Tameside, Wigan, Bolton, Oldham, Stockport, Wythenshawe and St Mary's hospitals.

Tickets for the fundraiser are available by calling 0161 253 5111.