A FAR-right extremist organisation calling itself the North East Infidels is holding a demonstration in Stockton on Saturday.

Police have been negotiating with the group, a splinter group of the English Defence League, ahead of the march, which is understood to be taking place at about 2pm, starting from Green Dragon yard.

A counter-march held by North East Anti Fascists is being planned for the town centre for about 12.30pm, with unions and community groups believed to be joining them.

Stockton is playing host to a music festival, the Stockton Pirate Festival, on the riverside on Saturday and Sunday, and there is also a vintage market, Chic Vintique, being held on the High Street.

The events are going ahead as planned, as it is hoped that the marches will remain small in scale.

Councillor David Rose, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: "Our traditional market, as well as the specialist Chic Vintique and Independents markets, are all going ahead on Stockton High Street on Saturday."

Chief Inspector Sharon Cooney said: “Police have appropriate plans in place.

“Whilst groups have a lawful right to gather in a peaceful manner to express their views, we would like to take this opportunity to remind participants that there are family events being held in Stockton town centre on Saturday and we would appreciate cooperation in behaving in a respectful manner so as to cause minimal disruption to residents, visitors and shoppers in Stockton town centre.”