Volunteers who raise money for Clacton Hospital have been dealt a blow after being prevented from using it as a venue for their biggest fundraising event of the year.

Clacton Hospital and Community Friends usually raises more than £1,000 from its summer fair.

For many years the stalls and entertainment were held outside, and the cake stall and refreshments were in the Ivy Benson outpatients' department.

But the group has now been told it cannot continue.

Mrs Foord said the group was told it could not use the outpatients' department as it might damage equipment and have access to patient files.

An Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust spokesman said clinical, confidentiality and security considerations were paramount.