The Argus campaign to keep breast cancer services in Brighton has been given a major boost.

Sussex's two health authorities are considering a re-think on proposals to transfer breast cancer services from the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton to the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.

Both authorities admit the move is a direct result of the huge wave of public anger against the plans.

More than 30,000 people against the move signed petitions organised by The Argus and the Friends of the Nigel Porter Unit.

Now the authorities, which were due to decide whether to agree the move on Friday, have introduced a new option to reconsider keeping the service in Brighton.

Campaigners say thousands of women would find the journey from Brighton to Haywards Heath difficult if they did not have their own transport.

They also say more should be done to look at other locations at the Royal Sussex or elsewhere in Brighton and Hove for a new unit.

Brighton Health Care NHS Trust says the existing unit is not big enough and there is no building space available in the hospital grounds.

A joint West Sussex Health Authority and East Sussex, Brighton and Hove Health Authority board meeting will decide whether to look again at possible sites at the Royal Sussex.

The problems with public transport and links between the two hospitals will also be looked at.

If the board agrees to carry out further site and transport feasibility studies, a citizens panel will look at the issue again. The panel, made up of representatives of local interest groups, has already called for a further review about the proposals for breast cancer services.

If board members plump for the new option to review the service again, another public consultation will be held.

Jean Nehls, co-chairman of the Friends of the Nigel Porter Unit, said: "All our hard work is beginning to pay off."