Hospital campaigners have staged their first weekly vigil since the lockdown outside Grantham Hospital.

The weekly vigils have taken place every Wednesday since the loss of 24/7 services four years ago until the coronavirus pandemic arrived.

Now, the vigil has renewed focus with the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust 'downgrading' the A&E to an Urgent Treatment Centre saying this would allow it to create a covid-19 free space at the hospital and treat more cancer patients.

The vigil followed an earlier protest at the hospital over the issue.

Yesterday's vigil matched the spirit of the times, with it participants being socially-distant from each other. Several of yesterday's campaigners who are 'shielding' wore special armbands. Sue McQuinn came up with the idea to produce the armbands and told Grantham Nub News: "They not only remind people that the wearer is someone who has been shielding and not to get too close, but also helps the wearer to feel less daunted and more confident about going out." The armbands are made by Grantham company Print Bureau Team, which has made other material for the hospital campaigners. The first 200 armbands were funded by a generous benefactor who wishes to remain anonymous. They can be purchased at the weekly Grantham Hospital vigil for a minimum £2 donation, with proceeds going to support the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. Liz Wilson of Fighting 4 Life Lincolnshire says campaigners braved the rain last night for the vigil, which featured many of its regulars, plus some new ones. She told Grantham Nub News: "We all behaved responsibly and social distanced. We received lots of toots and beeps from passing vehicles so it is clear there is still much support for us. "We are pleased to be back and we will fight to the death. We hear of all sort of services being dispersed from the hospital. It doesn't make us trust ULHT any more. It's clear they are trying to run down the hospital. "We are going to keep on fighting until the hospital is demolished behind us." The vigil runs each Wednesday between 5pm and 7pm and those taking part can stay as long or as little as they wish. • This article has been updated with further information about the 'shielding' armbands