A MARCH rumoured to be a far-right anti-Islam event in Stockton under the guise of a LGBT solidarity event attracted just a handful of protesters at the weekend.

The event was organised on Saturday by a group calling itself LGBT Stockton-on-Tees, who claimed it was in solidarity for victims of the Orlando massacre, but it was believed there were EDL members among its ranks and it was a front for an anti-Islamic march.

There was a heavy police presence in Stockton town centre as anti-fascists also turned out to stage their own demonstration, and there was some heckling between the two groups.

But police outnumbered protesters, with the turnout from the "LGBT Stockton" side hitting double figures at best.

Tommy Cook, of LGBT Stockton, had claimed the march was not anti-Islam, but just to show solidarity with the gay community.

But some people listed as attending his event were members of far-right groups including Pediga UK, Britain First, the National Front and the EDL.

After the event, LGBT Stockton-on-Tees posted on its Facebook page: "Thanks to everyone for coming today, small numbers but it is a start. We are thinking of organising a pride walk in September. Watch this space."