Campaigners in fancy dress have protested against a proposed new super port in the New Forest.

Associated British Ports (ABP) wants to build a terminal on a 202-hectare site at Dibden Bay in Hampshire that will create about 10,000 jobs.

Opponents of the plan - one dressed as a bird, another as a tanker - demonstrated outside ABP offices in Southampton on Tuesday.

The protesters want to preserve the site, which is currently a haven for wildlife, including rare geese, beetles and bees.

Rare birds

Both sides must make their case to an independent inquiry in the next few days.

English Nature, the government's wildlife advisor, is opposing the plan after naming the bay an area of special scientific interest after birdwatchers spotted rare breeding lapwing.

Some 13,000 residents from the New Forest have signed a petition against the proposed port.

Paul Vickers, of Residents Against Dibden Bay Port, said: "The petition is growing by the week and we will be very pleased to take this along to the government to show them the level of local opinion."

However, Southampton City Council is supporting the proposed port, which could bring a huge economic boost.

ABP say a new terminal is needed to cope with a recent doubling in sea traffic.

The year-long inquiry closes in just over a week's time, after which inspectors will prepare their recommendations.