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Theresa May ducked out of a visit to a charity duck race today when she learned there was to be a protest against NHS cuts.

Mrs May was scheduled to appear at the annual Leyton Rotary Club Duck Race during a visit to Lancashire, according to local Tories .

Every year, the group turn the River Lostock yellow with rubber ducks in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for a local hospice.

But the Prime Minister was beaten to the event by a group of campaigners protesting against cuts to their local hospital.

Chorley A&E department closed down for nine months last year due to a staff shortage.

It reopened in January, but only with a part-time service. The next nearest 24-hour A&E department is Wigan, almost 10 miles away.

Campaigner Steven Turner told the Mirror the campaign group, Protect Chorley Hospital From Cuts and Privatisation, had been told Mrs May was going to pay a visit to the duck race.

But he said when the Tory leader got wind of their plan to greet her with a protest, she changed her mind.

(Image: AFP)

Mr Turner said: “It’s true to form for her. She seems to be avoiding the public whenever possible. She doesn't want to be on TV debating any issues.”

She later visited a community centre a few miles away near Ormskirk, but campaigners caught up with her - as did the Mirror Chicken.

Protesters shouted “shame on you” at the Prime Minister as she arrived at Mawdsley Village Hall.

Mr Turner said: "We had a really passionate, strong demonstration outside for our A&E and for our NHS."

The Conservative Party confirmed the Prime Minister had not attended the duck race, but would not confirm whether the event was on her schedule.