Thousands of people have supported a campaign to save their local chemists' shops.

Independent pharmacies across Sussex are calling for proposals by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to lift restrictions on dispensing NHS prescriptions to be thrown out.

Lewes MP Norman Baker, Hove MP Ivor Caplin and Brighton Pavilion MP David Lepper are among several across the region to be handed petitions against the plans.

Opponents say if the recommendation is accepted it will spell the end of the traditional High Street chemist as large out-of-town stores will be able to start dealing with prescriptions.

They say chemists' shops will open up around GP surgeries to catch passing trade while those in more remote areas will close.

Mr Lepper said: "This could lead to the closure of many neighbourhood pharmacies and a shift in their business to the big supermarkets.

"This will make services less accessible to many people, particularly the elderly and those who rely on public transport - especially in emergencies."

Lewes pharmacist Steve Castle said it was vital people realised what losing local pharmacies could mean.

He said: "It is not just about dispensing the prescriptions. Small community pharmacies get to know their regular visitors and can offer plenty of help and advice.

"Services like delivering prescriptions to people's homes if they find it difficult to get out and about would also disappear."

Those in favour of the proposals, including bosses at the Asda chain, say getting rid of the "closed shop" of chemists dispensing prescriptions would increase patient choice and make it easier for them to get their prescriptions.

The Government has indicated it may not accept the OFT's recommendations because it is not sure the increased competition would benefit the community. A final decision will not be made until later this year.

Sunil Samra, a pharmacist with the independent Day-Lewis chain which has a branch in Blatchington Road, Hove, said: "We have three branches around here and have managed to collect nearly 1,200 signatures.

"A lot of people feel very strongly about this. Nobody who came in refused to sign the petition."