More than 1,500 protesters have gathered to demonstrate against plans for an accommodation centre for asylum seekers in Worcestershire.

The protest is the largest demonstration so far against the proposed facility on a former airbase at Throckmorton.

Opponents of the plans are also wearing 750 numbered placards, to represent each of the asylum seekers who could be housed there.

Organisers of the march say local people are angry the government is considering whether to apply for permission to construct the centre, despite local opposition.

Three large centres are planned

County councillor Liz Tucker said: "It's been a terrific turnout and people have stood up and been counted."

Local Conservative MP Sir Michael Spicer, told protesters their opinion would have to be taken account of at any future public inquiry.

"There should be centres to vet asylum applicants, but they should be much smaller than those proposed and they should be dispersed into areas where there are proper facilities locally," he said.

Local people say they believe the government has ignored the advice of the Red Cross and the Refugee Council that remote, rural locations are unsuitable for asylum centre.

Pact (Protest at the Asylum Centre at Throckmorton) has pledged itself to fight the plans at any future public inquiry.

The Home Office announced plans in May to house asylum seekers at centres at Throckmorton, at Bicester in Oxfordshire, and at Bingham in Nottinghamshire.