Thousands join protest against Heathrow's third runway

Climate change, increasing noise pollution and congestion have united environmental groups and more than 20 councils against the government-backed BAA plan for a third runway and a sixth terminal.

More than 3,000 turned out for what was dubbed the Make A Noise Carnival, walking from Hatton Cross in west London to Sipson, the village that will be obliterated if the planned third runway goes ahead.

The mood was jocular and good humoured, despite the strong feelings the proposed expansion has evoked.

In a village field, as bands played, the protestors gathered to form a huge NO, which they expected to be visible from passing aircraft.

Many came in fancy dress and on stilts and paraded behind brass bands.

John Stewart, chairman of Heathrow anti-noise and anti-expansion group Hacan said: "Heathrow has never before seen a spectacle like this. Coaches have come from as far away as Manchester and Southampton and we have been joined by campaigners from Athens in Greece. Heathrow has become a symbol of worldwide resistance against aggressive airport expansion."

Tamsin Ormond, who recently scaled the roof of parliament in protest at the proposals and helped organise the event, told a cheering crowd: "Gordon Brown has a real fight on his hands here.

"People face losing their homes if he gives the green light to a third runway, and they'll be joined tomorrow by thousands of others who are deeply concerned about increased noise levels and climate change. That's why we are using our bodies to form a NO so big it will be visible from planes circling Heathrow. The mood in west London is pretty angry right now."