Protesters argue expansion of the airport is unjustified

The protesters went through villages they say will be swallowed up by 2030 if plans for a second runway go ahead.

The campaigners said they were fighting the expansion on global environmental grounds as well as on local issues.

BAA, which runs the airport, has said its �2.7bn plans were designed to minimise the impact on the environment.

BAA announced a three-month public consultation in December last year.

It is estimated the expansion could more than double passenger numbers at the airport to 50 million each year.

There was a tremendous spirit among the people and this shows their determination to fight all the way to overturn the proposals for expansion Carol Barbone

Protest organiser Carol Barbone, of the Stop Stansted Expansion campaign, argued "there really is no business case" for expanding the airport.

She labelled Stansted a "low-cost Mecca" for people leaving the country for cheap holidays, adding that the airport does nothing to bring business into Britain.

She was pleased with the turnout of protesters who represented residents of all ages - families, the young and the old.

"About 100 vehicles including classic and vintage cars set out on the protest and many others joined in along the way," she said.

"There was a tremendous spirit among the people and this shows their determination to fight all the way to overturn the proposals for expansion.

'Major asset'

"The protest route was designed to go through four villages that will be decimated by the building of a second runway - Burton End, Broxted, Molehill Green and Bambers Green.

"We also went into outlying villages that will be affected by noise pollution from aircraft, traffic and trains as well as being hit by light pollution and increased urbanisation."

A vintage Rolls Royce driven by a resident led the protest convoy and a solitary police car brought up the rear.

Terry Morgan, head of Stansted Airport, has argued a second runway would be a "major asset" for businesses in London and the east of England.