Banner-waving campaigners descended on Downing Street in a Valentine's Day protest to stop grassroots services being cut to the bone.

Mayor Roger Weaver, dressed in full civic robes and chain of office, marched up to the Prime Minister's front door in an effort to get a more generous funding deal for Southend Council.

Cuts including the closure of the Palace Theatre and seven community centres are being proposed because of budget cuts prompted by a low Government grant.

Mr Weaver was joined by around 100 supporters ranging from MPs, councillors, community and religious leaders during the protest.

They presented a petition with the support of more then 50 organisations across the borough, pleading for a better deal on funds so services such as community centres, libraries and bus routes would not have to be cut.

Jont organiser, Martin Terry, Independent councillor for Westborough, said: "All we want is a fair deal for Southend. Services have been cut to beyond the bone and there is no way we can carry on like this."