Campaigners were out in force in the Fylde at the weekend amid fears rural post offices in the borough could be shut down.

Government plans could see up to 2,500 rural post offices closed across the country, with the full list due to be announced in January.

Fylde borough currently has 24 post offices open, but eight have been closed since 1999.

Campaigners took to the streets of St Annes over the weekend, and were collecting signatures to fight any proposed closures.

Post office campaigner, Coun Cheryl Little, who represents the Fairhaven ward, said: "We had a remarkable day with much support from the people of St Annes and the sub post master at Wood Street.

"I strongly feel that post offices are a vital lifeline in many people's day to day lives and shutting them does not make sense."

Campaigners are urging people to help the fight to save local post offices by logging on to their website, via the link below, and signing the petition.

Campaign co-ordinator, Coun Simon Renwick, Medlar-with-Wesham, added: "I was in Kirkham and in just over an hour we collected signatures from well over 150 people.

"Post offices are vital and the Conservatives would give them greater power and responsibility to trade and to strengthen the business case for retaining them."

Post Office Ltd managing director, Alan Cook, said: "Taking the decision to close any post office branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers.

"We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on or has any concern with post office services is both fully aware of the changes we are proposing to meet Government requirements, and able to give views on how accessible services will be in the future."