A protest staged by activists fighting to protect the NHS gathered ‘hundreds of signatures’ on Saturday.

The event in Market Place, organised by campaign group 38 Degrees, asked residents to sign a petition urging all candidates in May’s General Election to guard the health service against cuts and privatisation.

“It was fantastic, we didn’t have to persuade people,” said 38 Degrees member Meg Mansfield. “As soon as they found out it was about the NHS they were only too eager to sign.”

“We had people of all ages. It was heartwarming to see the response from people, even on a cold day.”

She added that the group of eight campaigners had collected ‘hundreds of signatures’ in just three hours.

Events took place across the country, including in Exmouth and Exeter.