THE following press release has been issued by worthing eco-action:

"A HAMPER for a camper" is the theme of an event being staged in Worthing town centre by Titnore Woods campaigners at the weekend.

Supporters of the eco-protest in Durrington will be in Montague Place at lunchtime on Saturday December 16 asking Christmas shoppers to spare a thought for the die-hard campers who will be spending the festive season in the cold and muddy woodland off Titnore Lane.

They are asking them to donate food and drink items, preferably meat-free and dairy-free, to make up hampers that will be taken up to the camp by supporters in the town.

There will also be the chance to sign letters to the council and fill in Christmas decorations bearing messages of support for the camp, which has now been in place for more than six months.

Said Dave Phillips of Worthing eco-action: "When the protesters moved onto the site of the proposed development on May 28, nobody imagined that they would still be there in December.

"It is largely thanks to the tremendous support they have been receiving from the people of Worthing that they have been able to keep the struggle going so long.

"As most of us look forward to spending Christmas somewhere warm and cosy, surrounded by our families, we are asking people to remember the protesters who have committed to staying at the site, fighting to protect our precious countryside from the bulldozers.

"If people can't get along to Montague Place on Saturday, or to the camp itself, they can always drop off donations of any kind at Down to Earth health food shop at the western end of Montague Street."

* Press have been invited to a photocall and supporters are encouraged to turn up at Montague Place, Worthing, and swell the numbers at 1.20pm. Festive props and hamper donations welcome! This will take place regardless of weather conditions, under any available shelter. If it is fine, there should also be a stall in the area from around 11am.