Parents in Paisley have launched a new campaign to save a children's hospital ward from closure.

Health board bosses are planning to consult on a move to shut the paediatric ward at the Royal Alexandria Hospital in Paisley.

Four years ago, similar plans to close ward 15 were put on hold following the Kids Need Our Ward (KNOW) campaign by parents.

Worried parents now plan a new fight to save the children's ward.

Carolann and Jack Davidson, who were behind the original campaign, said: "We always knew this day would be coming again.

"We have gained a lot of experience and are determined to save local services for all in the community."

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Mum Karen Meikle, whose son Alex is regularly admitted to ward 15, is also backing the campaign.

She said: "I dread to think what would happen if the ward were to close. I know of many other families in the same situation so Kids Need Our Ward is more than a slogan."

Jack Davidson and Sandra Webster were also involved in the original campaign to save the ward from closure.

Mr Davidson said: "We have learned a lot and plan to build a community campaign. Ward 15 is at the heart of our community and must continue to be so."

Ms Webster added: "We as a campaign group knew this day would happen but we are ready to challenge the Health Board."

The parents are urging other families, politicians and staff to get involved and are planning a public meeting as well as other awareness raising activities.

The original campaign was backed by high profile names, including film star Gerard Butler, who grew up in Paisley.

More than 900 people signed a petition calling on health bosses to think again and the matter was raised in the Scottish Parliament.

A health board spokesman said: "We have launched an engagement process for patients and the wider community to enable us to explain our proposals for ward 15 and to hear and respond to concerns.

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"KNOW will play a key role in the engagement programme in a small group of parents and community group members who will offer their views on how we speak to people about the proposal. The group will meet for the first time next week."

He said the health board ran an option appraisal in 2012 which concluded the clinical case had been made for transferring the inpatient and day case services to the new Royal Hospital for Children.

The spokesman added:"We are making this proposal as it will provide the best care for local children.

"We encourage those affected by the proposal to visit our website at www.nhsggc.org.uk/inform-engage-consult/ClydePaediatric."

The board will decide in October whether to proceed to a full 12 week public consultation from November to January 2017.