A COUNTER protest has been organised amid claims that a gay and lesbian solidarity march planned for Saturday is a ‘front’ for far-right political organisations.

Teesside People’s Assembly (TPA) and LGBT+ Against Islamophobia are behind the counter protest which is due to take place in Stockton town centre from noon.

The original march has been organised by the LGBT Stockton on Tees group in solidarity with victims of the Orlando nightclub atrocity.

However, left wing activists maintain maintain the real purpose of the march is to incite fear and hatred of the local Muslim community.

TPA secretary Steve Cooke said: “We will be distributing leaflets in Stockton town centre which promote a positive message of unity and equality. We want to make it clear that Stockton is ‘No Place for Hate’. We hope that people will come along and support us with this action.”