A village doctors' surgery has been saved from closure.

The future of West Kingsdown Medical Centre was hanging in the balance after the current GPs decided to end their contract at the practice.

Worried residents and parish councillors mounted a campaign to save the surgery, which serves 4,000 people, while governing body NHS England reassured them that it was working to secure alternative arrangements for their care.

It has now been announced that the centre in London Road will remain open, with new partners taking over from March 1.

Villagers took to social media to express their concerns about possible closure and an online petition amassed almost 2,000 signatures in support.

Many were worried about additional pressure being placed on already over-booked surgeries in surrounding villages, as well as poor transport access particularly for its elderly residents.

Dr Thomas Reichhelm and partners are due to finish on February 26.

An NHS England South spokeswoman said it reviewed all options and had taken feedback from patients and local stakeholders into consideration when deciding the surgery's future.

All patients have now been notified of the decision.

"We have written to all patients to confirm the new arrangements and confirm that they will remain registered with West Kingsdown Medical Centre who will continue to provide GP services to them," she added.