The vigil - Editor's view, Saturday 5pm

Why? Because they care about their local hospital and they do not want to see cuts, or services centralised.

The idea for the candlelit vigil is a passionate one.

We met at 12 noon today outside the Conquest Hospital.

In truth, most people at the start were either Mayors, councillors or MP.

But not all - there were other people there, holding no responsibility at all - who just care.

As the afternoon has gone on, other people have turned up to express support.

Probably though the greatest response has been from cars beeping support.

The Mayor of Hastings was especially vicious today in her condemnation of these health plans.

Make no mistake, she said, this is the fault of the Labour government.

So too did Bexhill and Battle MP Greg Barker. He left to attend the vigil at Eastbourne.

Labour Hastings MP Michael Foster wasn't there to make a defence - he's abroad.

But for us, it isn't about politics today - its about showing you care.

It continues until midnight - and I will be there late tonight and will update this later.

Peter Lindsey