Thousands of people have descended on Argentina's Mar del Plata to protest at the US president's presence in the town.

George W Bush is one of 34 regional leaders and officials attending the two-day Summit of the Americas.

Demonstrators chanted "Get out Bush" as they marched through the town.

Many oppose his policies on free trade, believing it has pushed millions into poverty.

Others are demonstrating against the US-led war in Iraq.

Argentine footballing hero Diego Maradona is one of a number of celebrities to join the protest.

He arrived from the capital Buenos Aires on a train packed with protesters.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez addressed a rally at which he urged protesters to oppose US policies.

Maradona joined him on the podium to call for Argentina to "throw out" President Bush.

Mr Chavez has warned he will reject any summit declaration that contains references to free trade in the Americas.