HUDDERSFIELD'S battle to save hospital services comes under the TV spotlight on Monday.

A Channel 5 news team have been in town to cover a story which has national significance.

And their special report will feature on the main news programmes at 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

The team have interviewed key figures involved in the campaign to protect hospital services and in next Thursday's local elections.

There has been a huge public battle to prevent vital services, including maternity, from being shifted from the Royal Infirmary to Calderdale Royal Hospital.

Yesterday the Examiner reported how three local MPs - Barry Sheerman, Kali Mountford and Mary Creagh- had called for an independent inquiry into the decision taken last month by health bosses in Huddersfield.

Now Channel 5 political editor Andy Bell is to examine why it has both a local and national concern.

"We wanted to look at an issue that was set to dominate the local elections and the hospitals campaign is perfect," he said.

"It is an issue felt very strongly in Huddersfield but one which seems to be repeated in other parts of the country.

"We spent a day filming in Huddersfield and spoke to a number of people.

"They included GP Dr Jackie Grunsell, who is standing in the election, Lib Dem candidate Shahida Awan, Tory Ken Sims and Helen Singelton, who is fighting the Colne Valley ward for Labour.

"We also interviewed John Woodhead, of the Breast Clinic Appeal, who is very passionate about hospital services in Huddersfield, and Kevin Holder, chief executive of the Primary Care Trusts who made the decisions.

"It is clearly an issue which has become of immense local concern".