MORE than 1,000 people have thrown their weight behind the fight to save vital treatment received by heart patients across Hampshire.

A petition to save the rehabilitation classes which help patients recover from cardiac disease has already been signed by hundreds of people following the launch of the Daily Echo-backed campaign last Monday.

Hundreds more have also joined the Cardiac Rehabilitation Support Group after the membership application form was printed in the paper on Wednesday.

The action group was set up after it was revealed that the eight-week rehabilitation classes, held at leisure centres around Southampton and the Waterside, were being axed as part of a multi-million-pound cost-cutting drive by Southampton's NHS trust.

Health bosses say the move will save about £20,000 - a fraction of the £15m savings target.

However, heart patients from across the city insist cutting the classes will cost the NHS much more in the long run, because without the proper aftercare dozens of people could end up back in hospital.

In the last week alone more than 1,000 people - heart patients and other concerned members of the public - have already signed copies of the petition being circulated in communities across Southam-pton and the Waterside.

Campaigner Anne Fry, who has organised the action group, said: "The petition is going like the speed of light.

"Support for the campaign is area-wide. People have asked for petition forms for all areas and are even printing forms themselves. Many people have written saying thanks for the campaign while others are feeling very worried and frightened as their courses have been cancelled.

"The general tone is one of horror that these courses have been cancelled."

If you would like a copy of the petition to save the cardiac rehabilitation classes, e-mail heartbeat@aheart.wanadoo.co.uk