Campaigners fighting to save their bus service turned out in force last night in a massive show of strength.

A town council meeting in Brightlingsea had to move into a church because the 200 protesters couldn't cram into the parish hall.

They wanted to quiz bosses at bus company First Essex which plans to axe the 78 Brightlingsea to Colchester service.

The move sparked anger among passengers who will be left without early morning and evening services. Another firm already runs rival services during the day.

"If the service disappears and is not replaced it will have a devastating effect on this town and the community," said Colin Oliver, of Upper Park Road.

But First boss Bob Dorr said he was forced to ditch the loss-making service on commercial grounds.

"On each and every occasion I operate a bus to Brightlingsea I lose money," he told the packed meeting.

"That is not a sensible way to run a business."

Mr Dorr added: "We are not a charity - we have to make a profit on our investment."

The service's best chance of survival is if the county council offers to subsidise early morning and evening buses.

First Essex warned County Hall early about the plans to give transport chiefs time to come up with a rescue package.

Mr Dorr said the council had not been in touch, but his door "remained open".

Without subsidies it was "unlikely in the extreme" he would reverse the decision.

Rival companies could also plug gaps in the timetable after First pulls out on August 26.

The town council has vowed to fight to save the 78 route.

Mayor Alan Goggin said: "We are not going to allow this town to be cut off and the people who want to go to work in Colchester and London be trapped here."

Alresford Parish Council also opposes the move.