In pictures: anti-G8 protests

As the G8 summit began on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, anti-poverty activists prepared to hold a protest using masks of the leaders gathered at the venue.

The masks sprang to life as members of the UK charity Oxfam demonstrated against rising world food prices and the use of biofuels.

Another group of protesters marched towards the site of the summit - which has been sealed off.

In the nearby city of Saporro, anti-G8 protesters highlighted the plight of the world's poor, as food and oil prices escalate.

Protesters from all over the world are expected to demonstrate near the venue during the course of the three-day summit.

Anti-globalisation activists have been making their message to G8 leaders clear.