Frances Duncan said she expected more than 100 protesters

Organisers had claimed more than 100 protesters would join a permanent camp on common land in Molehill Green, Essex - the site of a proposed new runway.

Frances Duncan, 57, of protest group Runway No Way, said she hoped the camp would remain until plans were dropped.

"We hope 150 people will join the camp by the end of the weekend. We intend to stay for the duration," she added.

However, the owners of Stansted, the British Airport Authority, have said the protesters may have a long wait.

It said a planning application was not expected until next year, a public inquiry would last until about 2007 and any construction would not begin until about 2008.

The work would then take an estimated three years to complete.

Campaigners against the scheme say it would mean the loss of 100 homes in Molehill Green along with an ancient monument and a woodland of special scientific interest.

There are also concerns the expansion would add to pollution levels in the area.

Essex Police said the protest had posed them no problems.