A local man is hoping to collect hundreds of signatures as he campaigns to protect the NHS from privatisation.

Alec Hopkins will be campaigning outside All Saints Church, Maldon, on Saturday, as part of a day of action, coordinated by campaign group 38 Degrees.

His petition will ask candidates standing to be an MP in the general election to commit to protecting the NHS from privatisation, ensure funding and keep it out of trade deals with the USA.

Alec, 70, of Fitch’s Crescent, Maldon, wants to keep the NHS running as it is now.

He said: “If it goes private, I think it will not be as good as it is now.

“Personally I’m very pleased with them and I think it would deteriorate.”

He believes if NHS privatisation begins, the focus will be shifted away from patients and towards saving money.

He hopes to get the support of others joining him in the petition and also to collect signatures from passers-by.

He said: “I’m hoping to get lots and lots of signatures against privatisation.

“As long as my feet will let me stand, I’ll be out there petitioning and I will try to answer questions as much as I can and impress on people how important it is.”

Alec will be petitioning from 11am on Saturday, outside All Saints Church, High Street, Maldon.