AN ESTIMATED 2,000 marchers turned out in Kendal on Saturday to have their say about the future of the town's maternity unit.

Midwives from the Helme Chase Maternity Unit were joined by parents, grandparents, children, local councillors, farmers, playgroups and many other organisations.

The protesters, armed with placards, banners and balloons, made their way in a slow convoy from Kirkland up to Finkle Street, causing severe traffic disruption.

They are angry at a Morecambe Bay Health Authority consultation document about the future of the popular unit, which lists closure as one of three possible options.

The marchers are also opposed to any downgrading of the services offered to women at the unit.