A campaign run by This is Essex partner paper the Evening Gazette to secure cancer services for the people of Essex has won top level backing.

Health Secretary Alan Milburn told the Commons there is no intention for cancer treatment to cease in Colchester.

Responding to the Gazette's 32,000-signature petition, Mr Milburn confirmed future services will be shared between Colchester, Chelmsford and Ipswich.

Colchester MP Bob Russell said he was "delighted" that the strong case put forward had been accepted.

He said: "I was becoming concerned about the length of time it was taking for an official response to be made following presentation of the petition, but at long last we have good news with this formal announcement.

"Colchester's cancer services have been saved - and that's official."

Mr Russell praised the Gazette for organising the petition and said: "This is a wonderful example of a local newspaper working with the local community and the local MP to achieve the right result."

Health bosses confirmed last month that they were working towards sharing the services between the three towns.

The mid Anglia cancer review steering group is investigating cancer services as part of a wider review across East Anglia.

The group - which covers Essex and south Suffolk - is also working towards a three-site cancer centre to provide patients with integrated and specialised cancer care.

More specific plans about cancer services will be decided at a further meeting this month then put out for public consultation.

A final decision is due to be made in March.

The Gazette is still collecting petitions in support of a cancer centre of excellence in Colchester. To receive one or to hand in a full petition, call health reporter Tania Cocksedge, on 01206 508167.

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