A HUGE police operation in Newcastle city centre ensured that an anti-Islam demonstration passed off without any major incidents today.

The Pegida march was the first to be held in this country and while hundreds marched behind its cause, they were heavily outnumbered by the organisation's opponents.

The Northern Echo:

Liberty GB leader Paul Weston speaks during the first Pegida Rally anti-Islam demonstration in the country in Newscastle city centre. 

Lines of police managed to keep the two sides apart, although there were scuffles here and there and reports of at least one arrest.

Controversial MP George Galloway, below, said he planned to attend the protest rally and had branded Pegida supporters "right-wing nutters".

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo:

The new group, which has its roots in Germany, inists it is not linked to the far right, not racist and has vowed the protest in Newcastle would be peaceful.

The Northern Echo:

Northumbria Police put a major operation into force to keep the busy city centre safe for everyone including football fans ahead of Newcastle United's game against Aston Villa.

The Northern Echo:

Before the march Mr Galloway, Respect MP for Bradford West, said: "It is absolutely extraordinary that a German organisation sets up in the UK - it's not as if there is a lack of right-wing nutter organisations here.

"They have got to be opposed, wherever they are."

The Northern Echo:

On Facebook, Pegida - whose name translated from the German acronym means Patriotic Europeans against the Islamisation of the West - said: "We would like to remind everyone that this will be a peaceful rally where people from all walks of life will gather together to unite against extreme Islam, nothing else.

"We all have one main aim and that is to protect our British values and our culture.

The Northern Echo:

"Patriots together showing what British resolve is all about, let's do it but do it peacefully together!"

Controversial comedia Russell Brand had also been rumoured to be attending to march alongside those opposed to Pegida, but this morning he Tweeted: " I won't be in Newcastle today marching against racism but I'm against racism wherever I am."

Pegida peaked in Germany last month when 25,000 people attended an event in Dresden but its popularity has faded following a scandal among its leadership.

Newcastle Chief Superintendent Laura Young said prior to the march: "The force respects the right to peaceful protest and takes a neutral standpoint, not supporting or endorsing any groups or individuals."