MORE than 1,000 people from all over the region attended a rally against cuts to disability benefits and services.

The event, organised by the Hardest Hit coalition of charities and attended by disabled people, their friends, families and disability campaigners, took place in central Newcastle on Saturday.

The march and rally featured speakers included Claire Parker, a partially sighted woman from Sunderland and Ian Lavery, Member of Parliament for Wansbeck.

Mr Lavery said: "The Government cannot continue to attack vulnerable people.

"We are one of the richest economies in the world and yet cuts are being made to essential services and benefits for disabled people.

"It’s up to campaigners like the Hardest Hit coalition to highlight the impact that these cuts will make on the lives of disabled people."

Angela Hamilton, a disability campaigner from Newcastle, added: "One in four households in the UK contain a disabled person.

"The Government’s proposals will mean intrusive medicals paid on results and would cut health care, respite care and advocacy services.

"These cuts mean that we won’t be able to work, we won’t get the support we need and will take away our independence."

Kevin Rowan, on behalf of the Hardest Hit Coalition, said: "The fact that throughout the UK thousands of disabled and vulnerable people are so angry and so hurt by what this government is doing that they take to the streets to protest should set the loudest alarm bells off for this government and the wider community."

Marches and rallies took place in 11 other cities across the UK, as part of the Hardest Hit campaign.