Protesters say replacing Trident will divert money from other priorities

The silent demonstration on College Green was taking place ahead of a parliamentary debate next month.

Local quaker Jeanne Jones said: "The level of public support for the demonstration was amazing.

"It bears out an opinion poll finding that 59% of Britons oppose replacing Trident."

Defence Secretary Des Browne has said the UK needs to keep its nuclear weapons because of threats to future generations.

Opponents say spending money on a replacement will divert resources away from other priorities such as health, poverty and climate change action.