Primary 3 at Langholm have been busy writing letters to their MP – saying how much they value the town’s Thomas Hope Hospital and why they want to see it retained.

The town’s community hospital is under threat of closure if the NHS goes ahead with its preferred option in the current review of future health services.

Mr Mundell said: “I was delighted to receive all the letters from the children of Primary 3. I did ask for everyone to make their views known and the people of Langholm, from the very young to the not-so-young, have obliged in spades. The message from Eskdale is clear: Keep Thomas Hope Hospital Open. I have responded to the class and I look forward to visiting them early next month.’’