A major consultation on controversial plans to axe the Brixham Coastguard Station has been extended for a further six weeks.

The announcement was made yesterday during a public demonstration against the cuts in which hundreds of local residents, fishermen and officials showed their support for the campaign.

Members of the public were also given the chance to question representatives from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency about their alternative proposals at a meeting last night.

During the demonstrations Chairman of the South West Fish Producers Federation, Jim Portus, warned there will be tragedies at sea if the station is closed because it's vital to have local knowledge when dealing with incidents.