DRIVERS who took part in a 50mph road protest along the A1 have this evening been praised for keeping disruption to a minimum.

An estimated 300 cars were involved in the go-slow, which passed off without incident after setting off from Morpeth in Northumberland, at about 4.30pm.

The peaceful protest was staged by friends of 23-year-old Ryan Charlton, from Gateshead, who died in a crash near the Angel of the North in the early hours of April 19.

They had held a ‘drive out’ past the crash scene to lay flowers and pay tribute following his death.

But they were angry when Northumbria Police described it as a "demonstration" and claimed some drivers were pulled over and fined.

Organiser Jay Garside, 37, from West Denton, Newcastle, had hoped for 1,500 to 2,000 cars taking part in the protest, which was held to demonstrate that not all car enthusiasts are boy racers.

In the end, about 15 cars set off from Stannington Service Station, in Morpeth, with others joining en route to boost the number to about 300 at its height.

The convoy had an orange theme, with some cars sporting orange ribbons to represent the fines they received.

The original plan had been to drive along the A1 to Leeds, before turning round and travelling back the opposite way. But the outward journey ended at Wetherby, West Yorkshire, before the participants set off on the return trip.

Northumbria Police, whose officers shook hands with organisers as they set off, said they had been working to ensure the event passed safely and with minimal disruption to the public.

This evening, Chief Inspector John Heckels said “We have worked closely with organisers.

"As a force we respect the right to peaceful protest and our role is to protect, reassure and support our communities. Road users on the A1 have not experienced delays as a result of the protest."

A spokesman for Durham Police said they had been keeping a watching brief on the vehicles as they passed through the county.

He added: "They have been considerate to other road users, leaving plenty of space between the vehicles and letting other motorists get in and out."

Ryan was known as ‘Curly’ and after his death his family paid tribute to him in a statement released by police.

They said: “Ryan was a funny, happy boy. He was always making people laugh with his silly faces and voices.

“He was loved and treasured so much by his family and friends. We have had our world turned upside down.”