Last year, just under 2,500 mothers gave birth at the Princess Royal Hospital, all of whom would be sent to Brighton or Redhill to give birth under the proposals, and according to local midwifes, there were more babies born at the PRH in July 2007 than in any other month since it was opened in 1991.

Those attending the picnic heard short speeches from local MPs and health professionals, who were united in their determination to prevent the downgrading of local health services. Around £2,000 was raised for the campaign, which will help pay for a professional consultant to produce a robust response to the consultation document.

Speaking after the event, Dr Herry Ashby, who works as a GP in Newick, East Sussex said: “We are all here this afternoon to demonstrate our total opposition to the downgrading of the PRH’s maternity department. If these changes go ahead, mothers and babies will be put at risk”

Mid Sussex MP Nicholas Soames said: “This was a heroic turnout by local people who by their presence and generosity to the campaign, show how much they truly value our local maternity services and all who work in them”

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert said: “We have had a fantastic turnout considering people will have been on holiday. It shows the level of support in the local community for our hospital and the strength of feeling that we want to keep A&E and maternity services”