Pictures: crowds pack rugby league stadium

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Turnout was huge at the rugby league stadium Credit: ITV Border

Whitehaven Rugby League Club drew a crowd of thousands last night, for a public meeting about West Cumberland Hospital's future.

Local people of all ages arrived to question officials from North Cumbria NHS Trust, and NHS Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group.

People of all ages were present Credit: ITV Border

They fear some essential services will be transferred to Carlisle, 40 miles away.

Around 4,000 people were present Credit: ITV Border

Health officials say they understand the concerns of the demonstrators, but need to ensure services are safe.

They say only high risk operations have been moved because of a lack of qualified staff in Whitehaven.