Two top artists have pledged their support for Huddersfield’s Save A&E campaiogn.

Both Ashley Jackson and Darren Baker have vowed to do all they can to help persuade health chiefs not to move services from the town’s Royal Infirmary to Calderdale.

And both are looking at ways of helping campaigners raise funds for a possible legal challenge over the controversial proposals.

A public consultation is set to start over the plans, which would see full A&E services taken away from the Infirmary and switched to Calderdale.

The Infirmary itself could be replaced by a much smaller hospital on the Acre Mills complex.

READ MORE: Hands off HRI: Huddersfield's biggest post-war demonstration delivers strong message to health bosses

Tens of thousands of people have signed petition opposing the move and they plan to turn out at various public sessions over the coming weeks to put forward their arguments.

Mr Jackson, of Holmfirth, has personal experience of the benefits of the town’s Royal Infirmary as his wife Anne has just returned home after surgery there.

He said: “Over the years I have used the Infirmary a number of times and it is vital we keep services in the town.

“Ideally both Huddersfield and Halifax should have full hospital facilities.

READ MORE:It is a painted picture - but it could be a photo: Take a look at artist Darren Baker's latest hyper-realistic creation

READ MORE: Ashley Jackson TV film footage archived for posterity

“I want to do something to help and if I can help them raise funds by donating a limited edition or perhaps hosting an evening of art then I will do all can.

Video Loading

“The National Health Service was set up to provide health care for all and now it’s down to money. It is very sad that we have to put money before lives”.

Mr Baker, who was brought up in Meltham, has donated a work of art to the campaign group.

"Rose in Glass" by Huddersfield artist Darren Baker

They hope they can auction it to raise cash.

Campaign organiser Karl Deitch said: “It’s great news about a donation we have received for our black tie auction event to raise some cash for ‪#‎handsoffhri‬

“I cheekily asked Darren if he would do a one off #handsoffhri donation for the campaign and he replied within five minutes saying `Yes’.

“He’s from Huddersfield so knows the importance of keeping our A&E open. He has done a one off original for us that will be framed.

“He has named it the ‘Rose in Glass’, and we will be looking to auction it”.

Hands off HRI rally in Huddersfield