Thousands of campaigners took to the streets of Banbury last night in one of the biggest public demonstrations in the town's history.

An estimated 3,000 people ignored the rain and cold to form a mile-long torchlight procession as they marched to protest against cuts to services at the Horton Hospital.

The event was the latest in a series of public demonstrations aimed at persuading the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Trust to keep essential services at the hospital.

Under threat are in-patient children's care, maternity and obstetrics, the special care baby unit, emergency operations and some laboratory services.

The march was organised by the Save the Horton Action Group, which has led other protests this year, including a mass rally in People's Park and a human chain around the Horton. Last night's demonstration, with campaigners carrying banners and placards, was led by the Hook Norton Brass Band and Stephen Wass, headteacher at St Mary's Primary School, Banbury, who was dressed as a lady on a white horse - from the famous nursery rhyme Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross.

Police had advised against a real horse on safety grounds.

Action group chairman George Parish said: "Following our previous well-supported protests, surely the trust cannot continue to ignore public opinion?

"The turnout has been absolutely fantastic and this event sends a powerful message to the trust. That so many people can take part in a public demonstration shows the strength of feeling in Banbury and the surrounding area about the proposed downgrading of our hospital.

"The trust says it takes public consultation seriously, and this is yet another signal that the people of Banbury want a fully-serviced general hospital in the town, and not be forced to travel 25 or so miles to Oxford for treatment."

Marcher Mark French, of Horton View, Banbury, said: "My six-year-old daughter Mae suffers from asthma and has been to the Horton three times, twice at night.

"If the children's in-patient service had been closed, she would not be with us today. I'm against any closures."

The march, from the Horton, past Banbury Cross, to People's Park, was followed by a rally.

Music from Fairport Convention's Ric Sanders, and Warriner School's wRants folk group accompanied speeches by Banbury MP Tony Baldry and Mayor of Banbury John Donaldson.

They urged members of the public to write to the trust setting out their objections.

Letters must be received by the trust, addressed to Megan Turmezei, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, by October 13.